RECOLLECTIONS 



WITH THE 



THIRD IOWA REGIMENT 



BY 



XillETJT. S. ID. TiaiOI^IPSOZsr. 



CINCINNATI: 

PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOE. 

1804. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year eighteen hundred a'ld sixty-four, by 

LIEUT. S. D. THOMPSOX 
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the U. S. for the Southern District of Ohio. 






PREFACE 



o 



At the solicitation of some of my comrades, the pages of this 
book were for the most part compiled from a diary which I 
kept during most of the two years I served with them, and 
which was written amid the scenes it attempts to describe. To 
furnish them a faithful account of the principal scenes through 
which they passed during this period, including sketches of the 
operations in which they were engaged, and of which our Regi- 
ment foi-med a part; a record of what they saw, and did, and 
suffered, such as I thought they would like to read in future 
days, has been my object in presenting it in this shape. As it 
was written for my comrades, to them I dedicate it; and in 
giving it to the public, I have only to say that if it suits them, 
it suits me. With regard to facts which have since become 
history, to which I have had occasion to refer, I may have com- 
mitted some errors and inaccuracies; my book was not writ- 
ten in the library of the historian, but in the tent of the sol- 
diei-, and with few exceptions without other information than 
such as observation and report could supply. In speaking of 
prominent officers under whom we served, I have not forgotten 
that some of them are still my superior officers, and that it in 
nowise comports with my duties as a soldier to assume to be 
their historian or critic. But the time has come when the con- 
duct of those who have passed into civil life may be criticized 



Preface, 

"by those wlio were their inferiors in the military service. Of 
Buch I have endeavored to speak honestly but plainly, remem- 
bering that they dealt plainly with us. 

I am under obligations to Col. Scott, 32d Iowa, Lieut. Chas. 
P. Brown, A. A. Q. M., Fort Pickering, W. B. Lakin, Esq , College 
Hill, Ohio, for valuable favors and assistance. I trust that time 
will afford me opportunities of paying them in a better manner 
ilian by this public acknowledgment. 

And now I give these pages to the public, with the single 

regret that the deeds of men who have so many titles to honor 

and gratitude could not have been better recorded and by a 

more worthy hand, 

S. D. THOMPSON, 

FoKT PicKEKiNO, Memphis, Tcnn., March, 18G4. 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 
Preface . 3 

CHAPTER I. 

The "uprising" in Iowa — Patriotism of the people — The 
Third Regiment — Its character and composition — Spirit and 
ideas of its members— Our colonel— Our visit to Camp Ellsworth 
and the First Iowa — The Second and First Iowa advance into 
Missouri — Our quarters — Our ideas of our treatment — Poor 
fare, and what some of us "did about it" — Our duties — Com- 
plaints about pay — Our arms — We go into camp — Our first 
camp experience — We chafe exceedingly under the yoke of 
discipline — Marching orders 13 

CHAPTER II. 

We break up camp at Keokuk — The parting occasion — The 
last lingering look — A pleasant steamboat ride — Two nights 
and a day at Hannibal — We advance by rail into the interior 
of Missouri — Dangers attending the movement — We halt at 
Chillicothe, Grand River bridge and Utica — Leaving the cars 
and camping for the night — Condition of the country — Our 
first night alarm — How we celebrated the Fourth of July — 
Our uniform — Our rations — Our discipline — Colonel Wil- 
liams arrives and assumes command — Colonel Smith visits 
and consults with him — Another false alarm 29 

CHAPTER III. 

Operations of the rebel general Harris — Three companies 
of our regiment detailed to join an expedition against him — 
W^e are allowed ten minutes for preparation — We join a por- 
tion of the Sixteenth Illinois at Palmyra, and with them 
return to Monroe — The movement delayed by a storm — Con- 
sultation of officers — The column moves — Skirmish of Hager's 
Woods — AVe delay and finally camp for the night — And in the 
morning begin to retreat — Our train burned and the enemy 
in our rear — A threatened skirmish — He cuts off our communi- 
cations and surrounds in large force — Cool conduct of Colonel 
Smith — We begin to fortify — A night of expectation — Details 



vi Contents. 

of our sitiiation — The enemy opens with artillery — And 
begins to draw in his lines— We lie in our trenches and 
reserve our fire — Aid in the right time — The enemy quits the 
field in panic — An accident — Col. Williams arrives with a 
portion of the Thii-d Iowa 43 

CHAPTER IV. 

We prepare to march from Monroe — Arrival of Governor 
Wood with cavalry and artillery; and of the Fourteenth 
Illinois — How Mr. Dugan speaks of this in his book — A 
change of counsels — The Third Iowa moves west on a train — 
Circumstances of the ride — Failure of an attempt to burn 
tiie Charitan River bridge — A few details — How 3'oung sol- 
diers originate false alarms — Our camp at Chillicothe— Gen- 
eral Hurlbut assumes command of the troops on the Hannibal 
and St. Joseph Railroad — We draw our accoutrements at 
last — We leave Chillicothe and go into camp at Brookfield 61 

CHAPTER V. 

Activity of the rebels — Colonel Martin Green — We are 
ordered against him — Details and incidents of the march 
from Mason City to Kirksville — Character of the Home 
Guards — Condition of the country — Our situation at Kirks- 
ville — Details of our occupation of that place — Arrival of 
reinforcements under Gen. Hurlbut — Our complaints and 
expectations 73 

CHAPTER VI. 

Lieut, Call reconnoiters and reports the enemy's position — 
Colonel Scott desires to attack him with the Third Iowa, the 
Home Guards and tlie artillery — Gen. Hurlbut declines his 
consent — Dangers of such a movement — Disappointment of 
the men — The General reviews the troops — And issues a pro- 
clamation — He sends it by a flag of truce to Green's camp — • 
Green don't see the point, but takes the hint and gets rea ly 
to leave — The General issues an order against plundering — 
Further details of our condition — A detachment goes to Lan- 
caster after supplies — Escape and pursuit of Green — Details 
of the march — Suffering, straggling and plundering — Night 
at Wilsonville — night at Bear Creek — Scouts from Moore — 
Junction with Moore at Bethel — Apfearaiice of the place — 
Character and hospitality of the inhabitants — Change of 
plans — Moore and Smith pursue the enemy — Hurlbut and 
Scott move directly toward the railroad — Noon at Shelby- 
ville — Another proclamation — A man straggles ahead of the 



Contents. vii 

column and is shot by the bush wliackei's — Night at Shelbina — 
The situation — We proceed to Brookfield 89 

CHAPTER VII. 

The expedition to Paris — The forces engaged in it^ — Details 
of the movement to that place — Conduct of Colonel Williams 
and Lieut. Col. Blair while there — They return speedily to 
Shelbina — Green pursues and confronts them with a large 
force — Details of the affair at Shelbina — Colonel Williams 
retreats to Hudson where he meets General Hurlbut with 
reinforcements — The propriety of the retreat discussed — The 
account of the Rebellion Record 104 

CHAPTER VIII. 

We break up camp at Brookfield and proceed toward Shel- 
bina — Junction with Smith and Moore — Gen. Pope assumes 
command — Hurlbut and Williams proceed to St. Louis in 
arrest — Pope leads a night march against Green at Florida — 
Feelings of the troops — Circumstances of that affair — Report 
of General Fremont concerning it — We return to the railroad 
and proceed to Macon — Arrival of Generals Pope and Sturgis 
at that point — Prospect of active movements 112 

CHAPTER IX. 

Col. Smith with his own regiment and five companies of 
the Thirty-ninth Ohio, proceed to Platte River bridge and 
commence repairing it — Col. Scott is ordered to co-operate 
with him against the rebels in that vicinity — We proceed to 
Cameron by railroad, impress transportation and march 
toward Liberty— The first night — Second day's march — Se- 
cond night at Centerville — Cannonading in the distance — 
Our feelings — Lieut. Call reconnoiters as far as Liberty — We 
move at 3 A. M. — At sunrise drive back the enemy's pickets 
and camp at Liberty — No tidings from Smith — Cannonading 
in the direction of Independence and probabilites of an 
engagement across the river — Col. Scott resolves to attack — 
Battle of Blue Mills Landing 120 

CHAPTER X. 

Arrival of Smith — His march from the railroad — Why he 
arrived too late — Our feelings on his arrival — The situation 
the morning after the battle — What should have been done — 
Smitli starts for St. Joseph — Burying the dead and caring for 
the wounded- -Scott's official report — Comments on the same — • 
Gallantry of Scott and Lakin — Official report of the enemy — 



viii Contents. 

Estimate of Lis foi'ce — Account in the Missouri Republican — 
Account in Pollard's "First i'ear of the War" — The neces- 
sity and merits of the battle 135 



CHAPTER XI. 

We start for the railroad — Arrival at Centerville — Arrival 
of a courier from Sturgis — March to Plattsburg — Orders from 
Sturgis — Turn toward Kansas City — Night at Smithville — 
IMarch resumed toward Liberty — Sturgis retreats three days 
from an enemy who does not pursue— We think his pursuers 
turn against us, and turn to the west to elude them — Strike 
the Missouri at Parkville and prepare to cross on a flatboat 
— A steamboat arrives and conveys us to Leavenworth — 
We return next day to Wyandotte — Our stay at Wyandotte — 
Move to Kansas City — Arrival of Lane's Brigade — Compari- 
son between Lane and Sturgis — They quarrel about prece- 
dence in rank — Lane moves out of town — Hospitality of the 
citizens 152 

CHAPTER XII. 

The troops leave Kansas City — We are not in a condition 
to march South — Rumored removal of the regiment to Quincy 
— Proceed by steamboat and railroad to Quincy — Our arrival 
and situation there — We are paid and prepare to leave — The 
citizens give a ball in our honor — Incidents of that night — ■ 
We proceed to Benton Barracks — Col. Williams, his release, 
conduct, and rearrest — Changes — Our sanitary condition — 
"\V"e are ordered to the North Missouri Railroad — Disgraceful 
conduct of certain captains 165 

CHAPTER XIIL 

Preparations — We move North by railroad — Details of the 
ride — March from the railroad — Night on the frozen ground — 
Feelings and conduct of the soldiers toward the citizens — 
Night at Martinsburg — March to Mexico — Character of the 
citizens — Bad conduct of certain of the men — What the 
Major did about it — His speech — Its effect — An excess of 
quinine and lack of bread — Return march to Martinsburg — 
The New Year — March to Wellsville — Sickness — Conduct and 
character of Surgeon Edwards — Foraging and plundering — 
Movement of troops to the front — Anxiety to go with them — 
Fort Donelson — Discontent at being left in the rear— Trial 
and release of Col. Williams —He assumes command and 
begins reforms — Marching orders 175 



Contents, ix 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Leave Mexico for St Louis — Conduct of some of the men 
and officers — Journey from St. Louis to Savannah, Tenn. — 
Scenes on the passage — Captain Albert Hobbs — Loyalty of the 
people on the Tennessee river — Move to Pittsburg Landing — 
The situation — Criticism, &c 189 

CHAPTER XV. 

The enemy's reconnoissance April 4th — The alarm 5th 
April — Thk Battle of Shiloii — The soldier's impression of a 
battle — Stragglers and their shameful conduct — The diiferent 
movements and positions of our division and brigade in the 
battle — Appearance of General Grant — Gallant charge and 
repulse of a rebel brigade 206 

CHAPTER XVL 

The enemy massing against the left — Our successful stand — 
Retreat and our successive positions therein — We form the 
left of Prentiss — His gallant conduct and capture — Capture 
of Major Stone — He and Prentiss vindicated — Scene on the 
bluff -Night and Buell — The cannonade — The night 221 

CHAPTER XVn. 

The battle on Monday — Defeat of the enemy's right wing — 
Firmness of the left — Gallant conduct of Gen. Ilurlbut — Col. 
Johnson in command of a part of our divided brigade — Vic- 
tory — Flight of the enemy and failure to pursue 233 

CHAPTER XVIII. 



A survey of the field— Plundering the dead — Civilians and 
relic-seekers — Congratulatory orders — Camp on a field of 
graves 

CHAPTER XIX. 



243 



Preparations to advance on Corinth — Morale of army and 
sanitary condition — Advance to Shiloh Springs — Inspection by 

General J. Advance to Pea Ridge — Gov. Yates — Picket 

skirmishing — Battle of Russellville House — Arrival of Col. 
Scott— A night on picket in face of the enemy — The evacua- 
tion AND OCCUPATION OF CoRINTH 257 



X Contents. 

CHAPTER XX. 

Resume of the movements of our regiment — Sherman's 
movements towai'ds Memphis— Camp on the Heights of 
Hatch'ie — Camp on Spring Creek and Wolf River — Colonel 
Williams again — Incidents of the march from LaGrange, 
Tenn., to Holly Springs, Mississippi — Return — Resignation 
of Lieut, Col. Scott — Arrival in Memphis — Gen. Sherman as 
a military man — Marching orders 278 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Lieut. Col. Trumbull — Leave Memphis — Night on Wolf 
River — House burning — Reach and bridge the Hatchie — Hard- 
ships and murmurs — March toward Bolivar — Arrival at 
Bolivar — A reconnoisance towards Grand Junction — Attempt 
of the enemy to get in our rear — Return to Bolivar — Rein- 
forcements 291 

CHAPTER XXII. 

A daj^'s march toward Corinth — Arrival of Gen. Ord — 
Situation and movements of the enemy — Battle of Mata- 
MORA — Carrying the bridge of the Hatchie — Disastrous situa- 
tion — Reserves ordered into action — Hurlbut saves the day — 
Carrying the Heights — Retreat of the enemy — Bivouac on the 
field — Reconnoisance, details, etc. — Return to Bolivar^Fruits 
of the victory — Losses 303 

CHAPTER XXIIL 

Col. Trumbull's official report — General Hurlbut's parting 
review — His parting orders — How they were received — Con- 
gratulatory orders of Gen. Grant — Telegram from the Presi- 
dent 317 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Reorganization and changes — Reconnoisance by General 
Ross — Disposition of the Hatchie prisoners— The State elec- 
tion in our regiment — Effects of the news of the northern 
elections upon the troops — Wild reports of the enemy's 
advance — Fortifying — Preparations for a general advance — 
Arrival of Gen. Grant — Grand review — Arrival of new regi- 
ments—General marching orders — First day's march — Condi- 
tion of the troops — Our cainp at LaGrange — Position of the 
enemy — Arrival of Col. Williams— Resignation of Lieut. Col. 
Trumbull — The Somerville march— Reviews and marching 
orders 329 



Contents. xi 

CHAPTER XXV. 

The army in motion to the South — Character and scenes of 
the first day s march — Bivouac at Holly Springs — An earth- 
quake — The cavalry division and the enemy's rear guard — 
Cannonading — Camp Lumkin's Mills — A storm— Movement 
of Sherman, retreat of the enemy and advance of troops — Our 
division left behind — We advance —Rebel works on the Talla- 
hatchie — Scenes and scenery of the march — Oxford — Join the 
army at Yockono Creek — The Thirty- third Wisconsin — The 
situation and movements — Raid of Van Dorn — Movements to 
open the communications 345 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Retreat of the army — Commendable spirit of the troops — 
March to the Tallahatchie— Ridiculous rumors — Christmas^ 
We go into camp — Return of Dickey's raid — Our condition as 
to supplies — The New Year — March to Holly Springs — We go 
into camp — March of Denver's division — Our situation — 
Burning of Holly Springs — March again to the north — 
Bivouac at Cold Water — Reviewing and speculating over the 
campaign — Arrival at Moscow 258 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

Reorganization of Grant's army — How our division was 
posted — Descent of guerrillas upon our forage train — We 
march to Memphis and go into camp — A glance at the officers 
of our regiment — Gen. Lauman's regimental drills —Review 
of the Fourth division — Col. Bryant's movement against Chal- 
mers — Our division ordered to Vicksburg — Parting with my 
comrades — Their journey down the river and affair with the 
guerrillas near Greenville — Arrival at Young's Point — Their 
view of Porter and Steele engaging the enemy — Proceed up 
the Yazoo and occcupy Haines' Bluff — The captures — Blowing 
up the magazines — The 22d of May— They move to take posi- 
tion in the investing linos — Their position and operations 
south of the city— Their subsequent position and operations. 373 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Surrender of Vicksburg — Our division moves with Sher- 
man against Johnson — March to Jackson — The place be- 
sieged— Disastrous CHARGE OF Colonel Pugh's Brigade — 
The blame imjjuted to Gen. Lauman — He is relieved of com- 
mand — His parting orders — The feeling in regard to him — 
Our losses — Subsequent movements of the Third Iowa — Con- 
clusion 386 



RECOLLECTIONS 



CHAPTER I. 

The "uprising" ix Iowa — Patriotism of the people — The 
Third Regiment, its character and composition — Spirit and 

IDEAS OF ITS MEMBERS OuR COLONEL — OUR VISIT TO CaMP ELLS- 
WORTH, AND THE First Iowa — The Second <a.nd First Iowa 

ADVANCE INTO MISSOURI OuR QUARTERS OuR IDEAS OF OUR 

TREATMENT PoOR FARE, AND WHAT SOME OF US "DID ABOUT IT " 

Our DUTIES — Complaints about pay — Our arms — We go into 
CAMP — Our first experience — We chafe exceedingly under the 
YOKE of discipline — Marching orders. 

Whe?^ at the commencement of the war the loyal 
States vied with each other in offers of men and money 
to the Government, Iowa, in proportion to her popula- 
tion and resources, was not behind any of her sisters. 
The First Regiment of Infantry, the quota of the State 
under the call for three months men, was promptly 
formed, and sent to the designated rendezvous. But 
the people wanted to do more than this. Companies 
were formed in all parts of the State. Thousands of 
names were enrolled. It was not the question who 
should be permitted to stay at home, but who should 
have the privilege of going. The eagerness with which 



14 Recollections with the Third Iowa, 

the claims to acceptance of so many different companies 
were pressed upon the Governor, must have been a 
source of great embarrassment to him. 

The interval between the first and second call for 
troops was to many who had tendered their services, 
unsuccessfully, a period of unpleasant and unprofitable 
suspense ; for it was a matter of uncertainty to all, 
whether the services of any more troops would be 
required. And who could tell ? The rebellion was so 
entirely without a precedent in our history, that the 
most far-seeing could not say whether it was a short- 
lived insurrection that could be frightened to death by 
military preparation, or a movement strong in its 
organization and formidable in its proportions. 

But this period was, nevertheless, one of preparation. 
Men were settling their affairs, and preparing for the 
contingency which might call them from their homes. 
At length, a call was made for an additional number 
of troops to serve for three years, unless sooner dis- 
charged. This altered the plans of many who thought 
to enlist merely for honor and a little adventure. The 
prospect was now that they would have decidedly too 
much of both. Nevertheless, the supply of men greatly 
exceeded the demand. None who had enlisted with 
worthy motives were disposed to shrink from the 
prospect. 

Under this call the Second Regiment was organized ; 
and the unsuccessful candidates still waited in hope 
and doubt. Finally, in the last days of May, the com- 
panies which were to compose the Third Regiment 
received orders, to their great joy, to repair to the 



Recollections with the Tliird Iowa, 15 

designated rendezvous, and by the close of the first 
week in June, they were assembled in Keokuk. 

Though comrades now, its members were, for the 
most part, strangers to each other. It belonged to no 
section, but rather to the State at large. The northern, 
central and southern portions were represented. In 
point of material it was a mixture of such elements as 
a border State would be likely to furnish. There were 
among us men of almost every State in the Union, and 
of almost every civilized country. Nearly all, however, 
were Western men either by birth or long residence, 
and were (is it boasting to say it ?) tempered with that 
hardy, resolute spirit which is characteristic of Western 
men, especially of those who dwell on the frontier. 
The greater portion were from the rural districts, and 
trained to active, out-door pursuits. Those who were 
from the towns were for the most part river men. If 
there were among us any of " the drooping city's pale 
abortions," they soon learned to imitate the rough vir- 
tues of their comrades. 

In point of ideas, there was as great a difference as 
of birth or nationality. It is claiming nothing to say 
that money had not entered into the calculations of 
those who first tendered their services to their country. 
The one great thought was the preservation of the 
Union. But such was the constitution of our ideas, 
that we saw in the accomplishment of this object ulterior 
results widely different. Each loved the Union for what 
it was to him. To the Irishman, it was an asylum 
where he could enjoy that civil liberty, and exemption 
from the oppression of an established church, which had 



16 Recollections ivith the Third loiva. 

been denied him at home. He proposed to fight now 
for the preservation of that liberty. He saw in the 
destruction of the Union an invitation to the ambitious 
monarchs of Europe to fetter us with such chains as 
bound his own unhappy country. This was why he 
had enlisted. 

To the Englishman in our ranks, America was now 
his country. It was to be the dwelling-place of his 
children. It promised more than any other to promote 
the peace and happiness of its people, and the progress 
of civilization. It was a branch of that great Saxon 
tree, which, continually spreading, already overshadowed 
the earth. Should it fall into the whirlpool of Gallic 
anarchy ? Should it degenerate into a contemptible 
Mexican civilization ? God forbid. He was ready to 
defend it with his blood. 

We had among us the poetical. Heaven-ascending 
German. He proposed to fight for an ideal. That 
ideal was liberty. It was to him the symbol of pro- 
gress, the talisman which was to lift man from earth to 
Heaven. He saw in the rebellion a reactionary move- 
ment, a tendency from democracy to aristocracy — from 
the power of the people to the one man power ; a repu- 
diation of the doctrine on which the Republic was 
founded; — nay, more, an attempt to found a Govern- 
ment on a maxim of absolute injustice, the assumption 
that one man has the right to own another. Could 
such a movement succeed ? Was progress baffled ? Had 
the age begun to retreat? He proposed to fight, not 
for the unity of the nation alone, not alone because it 
was now his country, but for that principle of liberty 



Recollections tviiJi the Third loiva. 17 

'which he saw, more fully than anywhere else embodied 
in her institutions, — that democratic principle which is 
destined one day to be the foundation of all human 
government. 

But the great majority were native Americans, com- 
ing, immediately or remotely, from every section of the 
Union, with various ties and various ideas. They com- 
bined all these motives and ideas, and more. To vindi- 
cate the national honor ; to avenge the insults done the 
flag ; to overthrow all traitors and bring them to swift 
punishment ; to save the nation from disintegration and 
ruin ; — this was why they proposed to fight. Their 
country was too dear an inheritance to be easily given 
up. Had the Fathers fought in vain? Had Washing- 
ton, Madison and Jefferson lived to organize anarchy 
and confound the world ? Had it taken the wisdom and 
blood of a generation to found and build a temple which 
treason could tear down in an hour ? Was the reason 
of the ages to be contradicted ? Was justice to be over- 
thrown ? Was Progress to stop here ? Must the Lamp 
of Liberty which had been lighted to guide the footsteps 
of the nations go out in the gloom which was gathering 
around us ? Such were the questions we asked our- 
selves. As far as we could do, our deeds have answered 
them. 

Thus of whatever section, of whatever country, with 
whatever ideas, we had now joined hands and were 
comrades, — all moving toward one grand, patriotic 
holy object, the preservation of our country and of 
liberty. 

And now looking around us, we saw everywhere 



18 Recolleclions iviih the Third loiva, 

matter for cncouragcmont. Every omen seemed pro- 
pitious. Every circumstance argued success. The 
Nortli was united. There was no party now. At worst, 
we could but suppose the South likewise united against 
us. In that case we were twenty millions ; they eight 
millions. We had a navy ; they had none. We could 
blockade their ports, and cut off their supplies from 
foreign nations. We possessed manufactures, and 
means of keeping iip our material. In this respect 
they were almost entirely deficient. We possessed a 
variety of resources which rendered our government 
self-sustaining in the most adverse events. They de- 
pended solely upon cotton, which now they would not 
be able to sell. And then their servile population, we 
supposed, instead of being a help, would be a great 
embarrassment. Besides, were we not engaged in a 
just cause ? and would not, then, this great disparity 
in our favor enable us speedily to overcome them ? 
With such strength, fortified in right, it seemed impos- 
sible that a single reverse could come upon us. Our 
enthusiasm, as yet untcmpered by disappointment 
or disaster, was unbounded. The future seemed full 
of glorious events, and we longed to be hurried into 
it. We had but one desire — to be uniformed, equipped 
and led on. 

For a leader we wanted a man, who, while possess- 
ing some knowledge of military affairs, should have none 
of the exclusive spirit we understood to exist among 
the officers of the regular army. To suit our tastes, he 
must be at once commander and comrade. Such a 
colonel we were prepared to respect — to idolize. Who 



Recollections ivitli the Third Iowa, 19 

was he to be ? It was understood that Captain Herron 
and Congressman Vandevcr were candidates. We 
disliked the Captain, because he had been to a military 
school, and the Congressman, because he had never 
been to one ; it was evident, we would be hard to suit. 
But it soon became apparent that, want whom we would, 
our wishes would not govern the appointment. Gover- 
nor Kirkwood desired to consult only the wishes of the 
officers in the matter. There was a man. Nelson 
G. Williams, of Delaware county, whose claims to the 
colonelcy of one of the first regiments his friends, 
through the press and otherwise, had urged with great 
pertinacity. It was said that he was a military man, 
a,nd yet a private citizen, and not a politician. Many 
had spoken in favor of him ; no one against him. He 
was the man. It was determined to call this Cincin- 
natus from his obscurity. In a caucus of the commis- 
sioned officers he received nineteen votes, and, on the 
strength of this nomination, was appointed. 

We were mustered into the service of the United 
States by Lieut. Alexander Chambers, of the regular 
army, since colonel of the 16th Iowa. Before this 
ceremony took place, the Articles of War were read to 
us, and from them we inferred that it was no easy mat- 
ter to be a good soldier, and not at all safe to be a poor 
one. Those who did not wish to be sworn in after 
hearing them read, were allowed to decline. A few did 
so ; and the farewell salutations these " deserters," as 
we chose to call them, received from their late comrades 
were not at all calculated to make them feel joyful or 
proud. As our field officers were not yet announced, 



20 Recollections wifJi the Third Iowa. 

Captain Herron, as senior officer, assumed command of 
the regiment. He was in every respect a gentleman ; 
but his discipline, though wholesome and correct, was 
such as our democratic ideas enabled us poorly to 
appreciate. 

On the 10th of June, we, for the first time, saw our- 
selves as a regiment. The regiment w^as formed in the 
proper order of the companies, and marched in column 
of' sections, through the principal streets of the city. 
We had no arms ; and every company had its own style 
of uniform. Nevertheless, as v/e marched along, we 
caught, from the admiring glances of the citizens, an 
idea of our importance, and that such a sight as we 
presented was not to be seen every day, and that we 
were destined to play no unimportant part in the war 
for the Union. 

On the 11th of June the people of Keokuk celebrated 
the obsequies of Senator Douglas. Of course the "mili- 
tary" had to take part in it. The three regiments were 
assembled, and following each other in their appropriate 
order, marched in column of platoons, to slow time, 
through the principal streets, and then through clouds 
of dust, and under a melting sun, away up the Missis- 
sippi to a point somewhere between Keokuk and Fort 
Madison. Here for the first time we got sight of a 
hearse, magnificently trimmed in black, into which a 
number of verdants were seen to peek, doubtless in 
expectation of getting a sight of Douglas. We were 
allowed to break ranks which was a great relief to us, 
as we expected to be compelled to stand in our places 
and undergo the infliction of an oration. The whole 



BecoUections with the Third Iowa, 21 

being over, the battalions were again formed and 
inarched back to their quarters to quick time. The 
citizens, who rode in carriages, or walked on the green 
sward, pronounced this military display a grand affair ; 
but the soldiers who had been compelled to keep the 
dusty road, going and coming, pronounced it an intole- 
rable bore. Some went so far as to express the profane 
wish that the great senator had never been born. 

At this time, the First Iowa was in camp near the 
city. The name of their camp was Ellsworth. Their 
mode of life was a great novelty to us, and the fact that 
such was soon to be ours, gave it an additional interest. 
Those sentinels, marching to and fro, so stern, so mute, 
lent to their little city an inhospitable air, which we 
were not at all pleased to see. All within ten feet of their 
beat was forbidden ground. Why could we not trespass 
upon it ? At least we thought there could be no harm 
in allowing their own men to pass out and in when they 
pleased. The sentinel could not explain this. He 
wanted to see the boys have all the privileges they 
wished, but he must obe}^ his orders. Then, with a 
shake of the head, he would hint that it was contrary to 
orders for a sentinel to talk on his beat, and pass on. 
What did all this signify ? Their officers were " putting 
on style," we said, and the men were learning to be sol- 
diers pretty easily. Well, we could not blame the boys. 
It was their duty to obey their orders, at all events. 

Then there was the gate Avhere stood Sentinel No. 1. 
Through this, all who went in or out were compelled to 
pass. And there stood the officer of the guard. How 
magnificently attired ! If men's merits were to be judged 



^ Recollections tvith the Tliird loiva. 

by their appearance, we would have supposed him a 
hero of twenty battles. That Zouave cap, with the gold 
lace and bugle on it ; that scarlet sash ; those monstrous 
epaulettes ; — how they dazzled ! And then the neat 
fitting coat and pants. And what a full chest he had ! 
" He must be a long-winded fellow," said we. And 
that we thought would help him if he should have any 
running to do, which was among the possibilities of war. 
And couldn't he swim though. Well, if such a bellows 
would not float a man, what would ? A regiment of such 
fellows would float a bridge across the Mississippi. Per- 
haps the coat had something to do with it — who knew ? 

But we forgot to salute him. What daggers he 
looked at us I We asked him to let us pass in. " Where 
do you belong? " '' To the Third Regiment." '' What 
do you want here ? " " To see some friends." " Sentinel, 
pass them in. Sir ! " 

It was indeed a novelty to most of us. The men and 
officers lived in square, Avhite tents, slept on hay, and 
cooked their rations on fires built in holes dug in the 
ground. Most of the men were very communicative. 
A few would hold up their heads as if to say, "We have 
seen service ; you arc greenies." Of course some of us 
must have appeared very verdant to them. We plied 
all manner of questions, in reply to which they told us 
prodigious stories of what they had already seen, and 
suffered, for their country's sake. If we were to believe 
them, they were suff"ering greatly now. They had been 
in the service a month and a half, and the Government 
had furnished them no clothing and not a cent of pay ! 
Besides, they were half-starved, and the rations pro- 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 23 

vided them were not fit for a dog ! And their officers 
treated them shamefully, too. We began to think so ; 
for yonder was a captain drilling his men. They obeyed 
promptly ; and, yet, at every command, he called them 
" devils-of-hell." 

Their officers all dressed wondrous fine. If all offi- 
cers wore such epaulettes, such bugles and such lace, 
we did not wonder that there was an advance in American 
gold. And when we saw that they were all exceedingly 
full-chested, like the stern lieutenant at the gate, we 
concluded that the coat did have something to do with it. 

And when we went away, it was under the impres- 
sion that those soldiers would fight, and that they could 
tell a few things which we did not know. We concluded, 
too, that their officers put on a good deal of style ; and 
indeed, we said, ours were beginning to pattern after 
them. A soldier did not have many rights that a white 
man was bound to respect, any way. We were very 
willing, very patriotic then, but we had not learned to 
be contented with what we could neither prevent nor 
improve. 

About two o'clock on the morning of June 12th, we 
heard a great tumult in the streets. It was the Second 
Regiment preparing to leave. They had received orders 
to advance into Missouri and take possession of the 
Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad which the rebels were 
attempting to destroy. All seemed to be greatly elated 
at the prospect before them. But amid the hurry of 
preparation, there was no time to talk. 

The following afternoon the First Regiment left for 
the same destination. Their bovs, like those of tke 



24 Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

Second, wore jubilant in spirit. They went about the 
boat which was to take them away, singing a parody 
on ^' Dixie ; " and the boat moved out amid enthusiastic 
cheers of a large throng of citizens. It would be our 
turn to leave next. We hoped it would be soon. 

And now the Third Iowa were the only military occu- 
pants of Keokuk. Our quarters were in commodious 
and comfortable buildings. We were provided with 
blankets, warm enough, but of a very inferior quality, 
and plenty of clean hay to sleep on. For subsistence, 
we were turned over to the tender mercies of con- 
tractors whom Government paid for boarding men at the 
rate of two dollars and ten cents per week. It may be 
surmised that it was the chief ambition of some of these 
men to board us as cheaply as possible. At least we 
thought so. 

We began to see a great and unpleasant difference 
between the state of things now and a month ago. 
Then the time passed like a holiday. We were pre- 
paring to leave for the war, and the people seemed to 
think they could not do too much to encourage and 
assist us. They idolized us as patriots, almost as 
heroes. We had hazarded all we possessed, they said, 
for our country's sake. We hence belonged to them. 
The stripling of seventeen by enlisting gave himself to 
the public. Everybody talked of him ; admired, en- 
couraged, praised. He was a noble lad ; he had the 
brave heart of a man. More likely than not, half a 
dozen fair misses were ready to quarrel with each other 
on his account. Indeed, the ladies seemed to be unani- 
mous in the opinion that " none but the brave deserve 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 25 

the fair." A young man who had not joined some com- 
pany, without he had a very plain excuse, was nowhere 
among them. The soldier was " all in all ; " the proud 
recipient of every favor, whether of money, advice, 
flattery, smiles or sighs. It would be surprising if these 
attentions did not lead us to form a very exalted opinion 
of our deserts. So it was. The people had humored us 
until when they handed us over to the Government, we 
were like spoiled children. We wanted to be humored 
still. At least, we looked upon ourselves as gentlemen, 
and thought the contractors should treat us as such. 
This they certainly did not do. It was bad enough, we 
thought, to compel us to eat on greasy tin plates and to 
drink our coffee out of cups of the same material ; but 
to serve hair and brick-dust up to us in our soup, seemed 
decidedly out of place. At first we contented ourselves 
with dropping hints to the waiters that a reform in this 
matter would be agreeable ; but seeing our hints un- 
heeded Ave threw out admonitions, which were likewise a 
waste of words. Finally, two companies, D and F, 
indicated their displeasure, at their boarding houses, by 
turning up the tables, and pelting the waiters with beef 
bones. It seemed to some of our young ideas a glorious 
manifestation of the old Saxon spirit of liberty. At 
least, its results were salutary. In both cases it secured 
us a magna charta in the shape of a new boarding place 
with earthen dishes and palatable food. 

It is doubtless true that under the impression that 
we were suffering useless hardships, our complaints 
were at times very unreasonable. Young soldiers, like 
young children, sometimes act very foolishly. And as 



26 Mecollectiojis zvUIi the Third Iowa. 

a person in manhood generally sees the folly of his 
early days, so we subsequently had many a hearty laugh 
at these complaints about what we had learned to con- 
sider luxuries, especially during the fasts of Kirksville 
and the Tallahatchie. 

Our duties at this time differed in some respects from 
those of later days. Of course we had to retire and 
rise at the tap of the drum ; but we had less fatigue and 
guard duty and more drill. We were required to drill 
six hours a day, a very irksome duty, as some had sore 
feet, and the weather was quite warm. 

It is now a matter of ludicrous astonishment to us 
that before we had been in the United States service a 
week, we began to grumble about our pay. The State 
owed us for the three weeks we had passed in its service. 
Why did it not pay us ? It was not such treatment as 
w^e had expected to receive ; but now they had got us in 
their power, they would do w"ith us as they pleased. 
But why did we not think of that before ? And who did 
we mean by that indefinite thei/ f It is a monster that 
has inflicted upon us untold wrongs, but could any one 
give his locality ? 

At length, on the 24th of June, we received pay for 
the time we had spent in the State service. It was a 
small sum, less than seven dollars to each man ; but 
many of us had been out of money for some time, and 
it may be imagined it was highly appreciated. Indeed, 
before night, some of us grew quite rich over it. 

The same day we received our arms. Instead of 
the Springfield or Enfield rifle of which we had had so 
many dreams, we were disappointed in finding them a 



Recollections ivltli the Third loiva. 27 

plain, bright musket, marked, " Springfield, 1848. " 
But we did not know as much about these muskets then 
as we do now. There are some graves on a cotton field 
near Pittsburo; Landino; that have a tale to tell about 
them to any ordnance officer that will pass that way. 

The following day we went into camp on the site of 
the late Camp Ellsworth. "VYe received commodious 
quarters in the shape of fourteen wall tents to the com- 
pany. The business of getting into camp consumed 
the entire day. We were beginners then. A strong 
line of sentinels was established around us. We did 
not like it. No, nor have we ever learned to like to be 
thus imprisoned. 

The name of our camp was Kirkwood. It was a beau- 
tiful situation. The ground was a gently rolling green- 
sward, over which were scattered trees in pleasant 
variety, and, near by, swept between his bold banks the 
majestic " Father of Waters." 

It may be presumed that for the first few days of our 
camp experience, we got along poorly. But we could 
adapt ourselves more readily to our new mode of life 
than the members of some regiments in the field ; for 
we' had among us many whose frontier life had taught 
them the mysteries of " camping out." Of course we 
cooked our food badly. But the ladies who daily visited 
our camp gave us many important hints on this subject. 
As yet we had no surgeon ; and our officers, either 
from want of knowledge, or not appreciating the impor- 
tance of the matter, paid very little attention to it. It 
was a long time before we learned to cook our food so 
as not seriously to impair health. 



28 Recollections toiiJi the Third Iowa. 

At this time a circumstance occurred which showed 
that our " Saxon spirit of Liberty" was not unconquer- 
able. The quartermaster had furnished us no cups, 
plates, knives, forks nor spoons. We were told that 
we would have to buy them with our own money. This 
we were determined not to do. We declared that the 
Government should furnish them. The quartermaster 
we believed was swindling us, and putting the money 
in his own pocket. We said all manner of hard things 
about him and about our officers generally. Well, after 
we had been two or three days in camp, it was noticed 
that most of us were provided with the articles in ques- 
tion. Where or how did we get them? The quarter- 
master did not furnish them, nor did any one give them 
to us ; we must have bought them. Thus military 
discipline and hunger are great eagle- tamers. 

But the Third Iowa was not allowed that period of 
discipline and drill with which some regiments are 
favored before going into active service. Almost from 
the very outset, we were destined to receive our train- 
ing in the fiice of the enemy. On the 28th of June it 
was rumored that we were to advance into Missouri. 
That evening crowds of citizens visited our camp and 
paid us great respect and many kindnesses. Instead 
of a dress parade, as usual, we underwent the display 
of a review before Colonel Curtis of the Second Regi- 
ment, who commanded the " North Missouri Expedi- 
tion." Before tattoo it was definitely announced that 
we would leave the following morning, and' orders 
were issued for reveille at three o'clock. 



CHAPTER II. 

"We break up camp at Keokuk — The parting occasion — The 
last lingering look a pleasant steamboat ride two nights 

AND A DAY AT HaNNIBAL We ADVANCE BY RAIL INTO THE INTE- 
RIOR OF Missouri — Dangers attending the movement — We halt 
AT Chillicothe, Grand River bridge, and Utica — Leaving the 
cars and camping for the night — Condition of the country — • 
Our first night alarm — How we celebrated the Fourth of 
July — Our uniform — Our rations — Our discipline — Col. Wil- 
liams ARRIVES and assumes COMMAND CoL. SmITH VISITS AND CON- 
SULTS WITH HIM — Another false alarm. 

Reveille sounded at the appointed hour. We pulled 
down our tents, packed our baggage and camp equip- 
age in boxes (for as yet we had no knapsacks), and by 
daylight were ready to move. But it took considerable 
time to convey the baggage to the boats, and we passed 
the interval in singing patriotic songs and listening to 
speeches which were delivered by a number of comrades 
amid the greatest applause. Brilliant was the prospect 
before us. It looked like a march of victory. Price 
had been defeated at Boonevilie, and had fled with a 
few followers to the borders of Arkansas. There was 
nothing before us, we thought, but to occupy a con- 
quered country, and while preparing for a general ad- 
vance, to wipe out the irregular parties which straggled 
in his wake. A vain delusion ! A single fortnight 
would undeceive. 



30 Recollections ivitli the Tldrd Iowa. 

At leiiG^tli we formed battalion, and marched tlirous^h 
the city to the levee, where the two steam ferry boats, 
*'Gate City" and "Hamilton Belle," lashed together, 
lay waiting to receive us. We w*ent aboard, amid dis- 
plays of the greatest enthusiasm on the part of the 
citizens, to which our hearts, overflowing with pride 
and patriotism, and, as yet, unchilled by the realities 
we were to encounter, sent up a long response. At 
length the boats moved out amid a storm of cheers 
from citizens on shore and soldiers on board, as loud 
as a young battle, and when, by reason of the distance, 
our mutual voices could no longer be heard, we saw the 
vast throng waving their adieus, and as we sped down 
the willino; waters, we watched with a linsierino; look the 
brick city crowning the bold hills, recede through the 
di'iving mist till it vanished. It was like taking the 
last look at homes and firesides. To many it was the 
last look indeed. 

And now, as if to dispel the sad thoughts which filled 
our minds, we instinctively turned our looks southward 
whither we were going. 

The day was gloomy ; but it could not destroy the 
pleasant effect of the scenery through which we passed. 
The banks on either side rising majestically under their 
weight of forest, or gently receding in green fields, with 
many a little cottage quietly stov/ed away in their shady 
nooks ; the beautiful towns with their fine residences 
and shady walks, where, as we passed, the people waved 
their little flags and white handkerchiefs in applause ; 
the islands — like visions of paradise upon the peaceful 
"waters — fled past us — a panorama of enchanting beauty. 



Recollections ivith the Third loiva. 31 

Toward evening we arrived at the beautiful city of 
Hannibal, and were quartered in two large railroad 
freight houses, the gravel floors of which constituted our 
hard beds. The work of unloading and unpacking our 
baggage furnished a scene of indescribable confusion. 
It was impossible for every one to find what belonged 
to him ; and what one lost out of his own, he generally 
endeavored to make up from his neighbor's pile, — a 
game in which some succeeded much better than others. 
In this situation we passed the following day, which 
was a beautiful one, waiting for the train to arrive 
which was to take us westward over the Hannibal and 
St. Joseph Railroad. 

We formed the acquaintance of several members of 
the Sixteenth Illinois, two companies of which were 
stationed here. They doted largely on the good times 
they were having, and how much they enjoyed the hos- 
pitality of the good Union people of Hannibal. Toward 
evening our regiment marched through the city and had 
a dress parade, which was witnessed by a large crowd 
of citizens. 

The following morning, July 1st, we got on board a 
long passenger train with our effects, and, at ten o'clock, 
the whistle sounded and Ave moved on. Passing out 
of the city, and all along the route, the citizens greeted 
us with many demonstrations of enthusiasm. But we 
already began to get tired of this. We began to do less 
cheering and waving of hats, and more sober thinking 
about our situation and the realities we were about to 
encounter. We were moving into the enemy's country 
without a knapsack, haversack, or canteen, — without a 



82 Recollections with the Third Iowa, 

mule or wagon of transportation, — without a cartridge 
box or a cartridge, — nothing but empty muskets with 
bright bayonets. The country was on fire with treason. 
The people were everywhere organizing to resist the 
Federal forces. The Union people received us joyfully ; 
but according to their own statements, they were in a 
minority, hesitating, purposeless, powerless. It is true, 
that at Hannibal they had organized three companies 
of home guards who had one piece of artillery. Such 
was the condition of things when, almost totally un- 
equipped, we moved into the interior of Missouri. The 
risk was enormous. It was alike a risk of safety and 
of reputation. The railroad led directly through the 
country where Brigadier General Thomas Harris was 
or<xanizin2^ his rebel forces. A hundred determined men 
could have thrown our train ofT the track and captured 
all of us. It is scarcely possible to conceive of greater 
stupidity than to take troops into such a country in this 
condition. We were perfectly helpless. We could not 
have withstood fifty armed men. The ignorance of the 
enemy alone was our good fortune. 

But we dismissed apprehensions, and occupied our 
minds with contemplating the beautiful landscape on 
either side of us. There was an indescribable charm 
in this railroad ride. It was moving upon the enemy at 
a rate we had never dreamed of. The forests were full 
of wild flowers and song birds whose notes we could not 
hear ; the level prairie sometimes stretching away in 
endless distance, sometimes bounded by long stretches 
of forest that looked like infantry arrayed for battle; 
the lofty hills and wide green bottoms — a dissolving 



Hecolledions ivith the Tliird Iowa, 83 

view, ever vanishing and reappearing. "We were with- 
out rations ; but the train made frequent halts at the 
stations, during which we would rush to the stores and 
buy whatever we wanted. 

At dark the train arrived, when two companies under 
Captain Stone were left as a garrison. Four miles be- 
yond, at the bridge over Grand River, Captain Sladden 
was left, with his company, C. 

A mile further, the train discharged the remaining 
seven companies at the little village of Utica. It was 
now nine o'clock at niirht. Our bairsao-e had to be 
brought from the cars, (and in those days we carried as 
much baggage as a division does now), wood and water 
had to be got, and no one knew where to get it ; every 
thing was to be done ; the night was quite dark, and the 
roads full of ditches. It was a scene, had it been pos- 
sible to see any thing, of exquisite confusion. No one, 
unless he has been with them, can appreciate the incon- 
venience a regiment of young troops experience in 
camping for the night for the first time under such cir- 
cumstances. But we managed to get through it all by 
midnight, and, then, lying down upon the wet ground, 
without a picket posted or a cartridge at hand, we 
slept. 

The folio win o; dav we established our camp near the 
town on a beautiful greensward, surrounded for the 
most part by young timber. We found the water in its 
vicinity poor and unwholesome. It was here that our 
quartermaster treated us for the first time to the luxury 
of pilot bread, then known by the name of crackers, but 
since vulgarly called " hard tack "—a luxury we have 



34 Recollections with the Third Iowa, 

seldom wanted since. At night we received four rounds 
of ammunition to the man, and were admonished to be 
prepared for a sudden attack. Again we had no pickets 
posted. A vigorous attack by a small party of men 
would have utterly disorganized us. Let us thank the 
combination of accidents, which, in spite of the careless- 
ness of our commanding officers, saved us from such 
a misfortune. 

Before the arrival of Federal troops in this section, 
the rebels had everything their own way. They had 
organized bands or companies at different points, and 
by threats and acts of violence had terrified the Union 
people into silence. But when the troops arrived, these 
bands precipitately fled, and it became the turn of the 
Union people to rule and rejoice. On our arrival at 
Utica two or three rebels showed the cloven foot by 
endeavoring to escape by flight ; but, they were cap- 
tured, and, after being confined two or three days in our 
guard tent, they were released on taking the oath, to 
the great astonishment and indignation of the boys, who 
proposed various punishments instead, among which 
hanging figured conspicuously. 

On the trip hither it had been announced that Cap- 
tain John Scott, of Company E, had been appointed 
Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain William M. Stone, 
of Company B, Major. Lieut. Col. Scott accordingly 
assumed command the day after our arrival at this 
point. 

The Fourth of July, 18(U, was a day which we shall 
long remember. It was ushered in by a false alarm 
about three o'clock in the morning. Two or three shots 



Recollections tvitJi the Third loiva. 35 

were fired by the sentinels^ and the long roll began to 
beat at a great rate. We had never heard it before ; 
but we knew well enough what it meant. We jumped 
out of bed quicker than if a tornado had burst upon us. 
It took, of course, two or three seconds to get awake. 
Where were we, and what was to pay ? Suddenly the 
whole thing flashed upon us. We were soldiers and in 
Missouri, and last night our officer had told us to be 
ready for a surprise. Imagine a soldier in this predica- 
ment ! He springs first for his gun, then for his shoes. 
Where are they ? Some one has got them on. It is 
vain to inquire after them. There is a universal clamor 
of voices, and no one hears anything except what he 
says himself. A cool listener outside might distinguish 
such expressions as these : " Where the devil's my 
hat?" "Who's got my boots?" ''They're right on 
us ; didn't you hear the guards fire ? " " Hold up your 
gun there ! You'll jab somebody with your bayonet." 
" I don't load till I get orders." '' There ! I've lost my 
last cartridge." " Fail in ! Fall in." 

At length he blunders upon a pair of shoes. They 
are not his ; for they do not fit him at all. But he gets 
one of them on, and suddenly discovers that his pants 
should come on first. Off come the shoe and on the 
pants. By this time his head and the tent begin to 
get clear. He gets on his pants, then his shoes, seizes 
his gun and falls into the ranks. 

On this occasion our companies were promptly formed 
and dressed. Then there was some shivering, some 
grumbling and a good deal of standing still and waiting. 
Strange, thought we, that the rebels had not charged 



36 Recollections ivith the Third loiva. 

upon us immediately. But perhaps there was none to 
charge. At length amid hoarse grumblings and sup- 
pressed cursings, it was announced that we had been 
victimized by a false alarm. Accordingly we broke 
ranks and again went to bed. What was the cause of 
this alarm ? Some said the sentinels had got scared and 
fired at a hog ; others that the commanding officer had 
gotten it up to exercise the men. 

As the morning dawned, a couple of anvils (for we 
had no cannon) were fired to usher in the consecrated 
day. It was decided that it. should be duly celebrated. 
After breakfast the battalion was formed and marched 
to a grove near the village where the exercises were 
appointed to take place. Here we were joined by a 
goodly number of citizens. It w^as an impressive scene. 
On the soil of our own country, and yet in an enemy's 
land, citizens and soldiers mingled together — fair faces 
and gray hairs by the side of glittering bayonets — to 
celebrate the birthday of our beloved country, now 
bleeding and almost in the struggle of death. The 
Declaration of Independence was read in an impressive 
manner by Lieut. Col. Scott ; patriotic songs were sung 
in which Lieut. MuUarky of our regiment took the lead, 
and the ladies joined ; an appropriate and eloquent 
oration was delivered by Capt. Ncwcomb ; martial airs 
were played by the band, and a series of regular toasts 
were responded to with music and cheers. We then 
returned to camp. 

After dinner it was announced that Major Stone 
had invited a portion of Col. Scott's people to join him 
and his in a celebration at Chillicothe. Four companies 



Recolleciions witli the Tliird loioa. 37 

were allowed the privilege of going. A train of cars 
conveyed them thither, and from the depot they marched 
to the place of meeting near the town. The exercises 
were the same as those of the forenoon, except there 
was, if possible, more enthusiasm. The Declaration 
was read by a citizen, Lieut. Col. Scott followed with a, 
speech which was characteristic of the man, generous, 
honest, and outspoken. He was followed by several 
citizens who spoke amid frequent and loud applause. 
Mr. Woolfolk, a young member of the bar, was particu- 
larly eloquent. The language and manner in which he 
referred to the past glory and present distress of our 
country was sufficient to have touched the heart of the 
most remorseless traitor. And when he appealed to the 
patriotism of the people of Missouri, and pointed to 
the glories won by her sons under Doniphan, the ap- 
plause was beyond description. When he sat down 
there was a universal outcry from the soldiers for 
^' Major Stone," " our Presbyterian Major." The Major 
mounted the stand and held for a few minutes the atten- 
tion of the assemblage. His commanding figure, his 
rapid and nervous style of speaking, and his ready wit 
made a marked impression upon all. He spoke with 
his usual invective and sarcasm, which was now happily 
directed against Claib. Jackson, General Price, and 
their unfortunate followers. Before he closed, the boys 
asked his permission to have a dance, to which he 
replied that his religious scruples would not allow him 
to participate in anything of the kind, but he would 
watch the gap while they had the fun. He closed amid 
rapturous applause. We were especially delighted with 



38 Recollections ivith the Third loiva. 

the patriotic songs sung by a glee club of citizens, most 
of whom were ladies. But Avhat pleased us almost as 
well was a tangible manifestation of the hospitality of 
the Union people of Chillicothe, in the shape of a sub- 
stantial table of victuals, from which no soldier was 
allowed to go away hungry. We did not stay to see 
wdiether the Major's boys had their proposed dance, nor 
did we greatly care to ; since the boys of Company 
had this afternoon sported their new uniforms (our's 
had not yet been issued to us) ; and the ladies had 
appeared quite exclusive in their attentions to them. 
We returned to our camps, having experienced a revi- 
vification of patriotism under circumstances which we 
shall never forget. 

The following day our long desired uniform was issued 
to us. It consisted of pants and dress coat of fine and 
substantial gray cloth, trimmed with blue. The pants 
had the blue cord down the outer scams, and the coat 
had three buttons on the sleeves instead of two, marks 
which on the regulation uniform indicate the rank of a 
commissioned officer. In tliis some of the boys were 
disposed to think the State designed conferring an 
especial mark of honor. In connection with the coat 
and pants, we received the usual complement of drawers 
and shirts, two pairs of each. Adding to this the hats 
and shoes already drawn at Keokuk, we now had a 
complete uniform, unsurpassed, it was said, by that of 
any regiment in the service. It Avas emphatically a 
dress parade uniform. We prized it highly, and to 
preserve it, many continued to wear tlieir old clothing 
as the Colonel had directed. But the advantage of 



Recollections with the Third Iowa, 89 

being clothed well and in uniform was in our case not 
without disadvantages. We were of course compelled 
to appear on dress parade in full uniform, and with coat 
buttoned to the chin. Our coats were of wool, and 
heavily padded, and hence in the hot days of summer 
this was exceedingly uncomfortable. It is not sur- 
prising, then, that, on one of our first dress parades 
after wearing them, five men fainted and fell from the 
ranks. It was a winter uniform, heavier than is ever 
furnished by the Government, and totally unfit to wear 
on the long marches we were destined to make during 
the hottest days of the summer. But the chief objection 
to it was its color. It was the same as that adopted by 
the enemy. And as we had heard that in one or two 
instances Federal regiments had committed the blunder 
of firing into each other, our apprehensions on this 
point were not very pleasant. This indeed proved to 
be an insurmountable objection ; for after the battle of 
Blue Mills it was condemned, orders were issued against 
wearing it, and then we ivere compelled to fay for it. 
But the commissioned officers drew a suit apiece, for 
which, by some " hocus pocus " unknown to privates, 
they got rid of paying anything. At this time, how- 
ever, we had not the slightest apprehension that it 
would be charged to us ; and, as we now contrasted 
our condition with some of the ragged troops we had 
seen, we could not but feel a sense of gratitude toward 
the State by whose generosity we supposed it fur- 
nished. 

This feeling was in decided contrast w^ith the feelings 
we entertained toward those who managed the depart- 



JtO Recollections with the Third lotva. 

nicnt of subsistence. The quantity of rations wliicli we 
drew, though perhaps as much as the Regulations at 
that time allowed, was totally inadequate to satisfy our 
hunger. Of unsubstantials, such as salt, vinegar, soap, 
and candles, we had plenty. Our supply of meat was 
also more than we could consume. But of bread, the 
staff of life, each man received the poor pittance of 
three hard crackers a day, and of beans, the other 
article of vegetable diet issued to us, each man got about 
a pint in eight days. These rations were evidently 
insufficient for healthy, strong men, who were drilling 
forenoon and afternoon, and otherwise in constant 
exercise. 

But we found some relief in tradini:; with citizens who 
daily visited our camp. Butter, milk and vegetables 
they readily exchanged with us for bacon and coffee. 
And, thus, with the help of a little money, we managed 
to live. 

To our credit be it said, we had not yet begun to 
practice the " vandalism," which, in subsequent days, 
called forth so many General Orders. Hogs and sheep, 
great and small, ran through our camps unmolested. 
Gardens grew unpillaged, and foAvls roosted unharmed. 
Our conduct did not give the lie to our professions, and 
the people had every reason to believe that in estimating 
us as " vandals," seeking spoils rather than anything 
else, they had been grossly deceived. 

While we were camped at Utica, Col. Williams arrived 
and assumed command. Of course all watched his con- 
duct with great scrutiny. He was the man who, more 
than any other, held in his hand our destiny. His 



Recollections with the Thii'd low a. 41 

proper care would give us supplies, health, discipline, 
and, in every way, promote our efficiency, good ap- 
pearance and good name. His conduct in battle would 
greatly influence the chances of victory and glory on 
the one hand, and of defeat and disgrace on the other. 
It is needless to say, that his first acts disappointed us. 
His efforts to preserve good discipline were certainly 
commendable ; but his decisions were rash and hasty. 
His temper was quick and ungovernable, and his judg- 
ment part of the time under the control of his temper. 
The least mistake of a soldier was sufficient to put him 
into a violent fit of rage. Of course such manifestations 
tended to create a feeling of hatred and contempt 
toward him on the part of his men ; and so fre- 
quently did these occur that they soon came to despise, 
at once, the man, his rank and authority. A state 
of things more unfortunate to our regiment, and to 
many of its individual members, could scarcely have 
occurred. 

On Sunday, July 7th, our camp was visited by 
Col. Smith, of the Sixteenth Illinois, which was then 
stationed in two detachments, one at Hannibal, and 
one at Palmyra. It was rumored that he came to 
concert measures with Col. Williams for a movement 
against the enemy. But of course whatever was deter- 
mined on, was kept a secret from us ; for which 
reason some of us thou2;ht that the Colonel was acting 
very ungenerously toward us, and betraying a great 
lack of confidence in us. Ah, we had something to 
learn yet. 

The same night we were victimized by another false 



42 MecoIIedions with the Third loiva. 

alarm, which was got up by Colonel Williams to 
exercise us in forming line of battle by night. On 
this occasion line of battle was formed without much 
delay, when the Colonel endeavored, but with poor 
success, to put us through one or two battalion manoeu- 
vers, and then allowed us to go to quarters. 



CHAPTER III. 

Operations of the rebel general Harris — Three companies 
of our regiment detailed to join an expedition against him — • 
We are allowed ten minutes for preparation — We join a por- 
tion OF THE SIXTEENTH ILLINOIS AT PALMYRA AnD WITH THEM 

RETURN TO MONROE TlIE MOVEMENT IS DELAYED BY A STORM CON_ 

SULTATION OF OFFICERS — ThE COLUMN MOVES SkIRMISH OF HAGER'S 

Woods — We delay and finally camp for the night — And in the 
morning begin to retreat our train burned and the enemy in 

OUR REAR_-A THREATENED SKIRMISH He CUTS OFF OUR COMMUNICA- 
TION AND SURROUNDS US IN LARGE FORCE CoOL CONDUCT OF COLONEL 

Smith — We bggin to fortify — A night of expectation — Details 

OF OUR situation TlIE ENEMY OPENS WITH ARTILLERY AND BEGINS 

TO DRAW IN HIS LINES We LIE IN OUR TRENCHES AND RESERVE OUR 

FIRE Aid IN THE RIGHT TIME ThE ENEMY QUITS THE FIELD IN 

PANIC — An ACCIDENT CoL. WiLLIAMS ARRIVES WITH A PORTION OP 

THE Third Iowa. 

We were now to learn that we had not been called 
into the field to wear fine uniforms and make imposing 
parades. We w^ere to learn that soldiering has some 
higher realities than guard duty, drill and pilot bread. 
We were to learn that our prediction of the total defeat 
of the rebel cause in Missouri had been the wildest mis- 
take, and, that in times of war it is folly to make any 
predictions whatever. In short, we were to learn what 
it was to see the enemy, to be surrounded by him, and 
to be shot at by him. 

It appears that Thomas Harris, a citizen of Hannibal 
one who had been a member of Congress from Missouri 



44 Recollections ivitJi the Third loiva. 

a "West Point graduate, and a man of tact and shrewd- 
ness, as those who knew him averred, was recruiting 
and concentrating, in Monroe county, south of the Han- 
nibal and St. Joseph Railroad, a large force of mounted 
infantry, with what designs was then unknown to the 
Union authorities. It is known, however, that he gave 
infinite trouble to the Federal forces in northeastern 
Missouri ; that he baffled all efforts to capture him, 
crossed the Missouri with a large force, joined Price at 
Lexington, and under him commanded a division. On 
the Sunday alluded to in the last chapter, Colonel Smith 
and Colonel Williams agreed upon a plan for a move- 
ment against his accumulating forces. To this end, the 
Third Iowa was to furnish three companies. That even- 
ing Colonel Williams assembled his captains, and they 
cast lots for the privilege of joining in the coveted move- 
ment. Herron, Newcomb and Warren were the lucky 
men, and their companies A, F and H were thus desig- 
nated to take part in it. Thus our first expedition was 
concocted on Sunday, perhaps by accident; but who 
knows that the venerable colonel of the Sixteenth did 
not think it well to devote the Sabbath to so good a 
work? 

Notwithstanding the companies which were to take 
part in it, were thus designated, orders for preparation 
were not issued to them that evening ; no, nor at reveille 
in the morning. It was not till after breakfast that we 
received this order, and then wx were allowed but ten 
minutes for preparation ; and what was still more aston- 
ishing, we were not told whether to take any rations, or 
what baggage to take, and what to leave behind. We 



Recollections ivith the Third Iowa. 45 

must do in ten minutes no one could tell what, or else 
leave every thing undone. We, however, undertook the 
job of packing up our private eifects, and getting them 
in shape to leave behind. But the matter on which the 
colonel had rested all night so easily, had now become 
suddenly and dreadfully urgent. While we were hurry- 
ing together our things with the utmost haste, he 
appeared among us in a great rage because we were 
not in ranks. We were compelled to leave our property, 
some of it packed, and some of it scattered about in our 
tents. It was three weeks before we saw any of it again, 
and some of us lost all we had. It may be imagined 
that this circumstance was calculated to exalt our opin- 
ion of Col. Williams, and to enhance our affection for 
him. 

We got aboard a train of freight cars, and after a 
short delay, moved to the east. The time consumed in 
our ride was passed in singing patriotic songs, and spec- 
ulating as to our destination. All that we knew of what 
was before us was, that the enemy was concentrating a 
large force somewhere, that he was supposed to have 
artillery, and that we were to attack him. 

About 4 P. M. we arrived at Palmyra, where we 
were joined by two companies of the Sixteenth and 
one of the Hannibal Home Guards. The men of the 
Sixteenth had the advantage over us of being fully 
equipped and supplied with twenty rounds of ammuni- 
tion. So also the Home Guards, who had with them 
their cannon, an iron six pounder. The chief of this 
piece was a soldier of the Sixteenth, who had been a 
non-commissioned officer in the British artillery service 



46 Recollections ivitli the Third loiva. 

in India. The manner in which he handled it in the face 
of the enemy, showed that he was as familiar with a 
cannon as an old hunter with his rifle. But it was un- 
fortunate that the only ammunition with Avhich it was 
supplied was solid shot. 

With this force we went aboard another train, and as 
soon as the cannon and some commissary stores could 
be got aboard, it proceeded back to Monroe, a station 
eighteen miles distant. Here we got off and formed 
battalion for a night march. Just at this time a heavy 
rain storm came up and raged with violence during the 
fore part of the night. It would be folly to attempt to 
advance fourteen miles over unknown roads in the 
blackness of such a night, especially as the men of our 
regiaient had to carry their total supply of cartridges, 
twelve rounds, in their side coat pockets, where the rain 
would render them unfit for use. So Col. Smith, who 
was in command, seemed to have concluded ; but he 
gave us no orders during the whole night, whether to go 
to sleep or to keep awake and await orders to take up 
the march. We however availed ourselves of shelter as 
best we could in the case, in a few vacant buildings ; 
and notwithstanding we had not a picket watching, slept 
soundly. 

The morning dawned clear and beautiful. The prairie 
birds sung sweetly and the air was full of fragrance. 
But the cheer which pervaded nature illy accorded with 
our feelings. Wet, hungry and unrefreshed, w^e arose 
and set ourselves to work to prepare something to eat. 
The town afforded one hotel which accommodated with 
warm meals the officers and many of the men. With 



Recollections ivith the TJiird loiva. 47 

the aid of this, and the scant rations we had drawn, we 
managed to appease our hunger, and as nir as we, the 
men, vrere concerned, were ready to move. 

But Colonel Smith was in a dilemma. It had been 
his intention to make a night march and surprise the 
enemy. In this the storm had disappointed him. And 
now that the enemy must be aware of his presence, he 
did not know whether it were best to advance and attack 
him or not. Nor is it strange that he hesitated. His 
force consisted of not more than 450 men, and their sup- 
ply of ammunition was not more than sufficient to last 
them through a heavy skirmish. The lowest reports of 
the citizens placed the enemy's force at 900, and all 
represented that the whole country was rushing to join 
him. It was said that he had" three pieces of cannon. 
He was encamped in a dense forest from which it would 
be hard to dislodge him, and where he would have the 
advantage of knowing the ground in case of attack. In 
addition to this, most of his force was mounted, while 
we were wholly destitute of cavalry. This would enable 
him unopposed to keep a network of scouts around us, 
who, from eminences in the open country, would recon- 
noitre, ascertain our numbers and watch our movements 
unmolested. Moreover, knowing our position at all 
times, he would be able to draw us into ambuscades, or 
in the timber to move rapidly and suddenly upon our 
flanks and rear. 

Colonel Smith called a council of officers, and intro- 
duced the subject to them in that unrestrained, simple 
manner for which he was so peculiar : " Well, Captain, 
So-and-so, what had we better do ? " This was the way 



48 Recollections ivitJt the Tliird loiva. 

in which he asked each officer for his opinion. The 
council was not unanimous ; but it was decided to march 
against the enemy. 

Meanwhile several horses had been impressed and 
mounted with expert and daring men. This force suc- 
ceeded in running down and bringing in several of the 
enemy's scouts, who appeared, at diiferent times, watch- 
ing our movements. Of course, it was impossible to 
obtain any reliable information from them. 

At ten o'clock, we took up the march, leaving the 
train of cars behind without a guard. In the order 
of column the two companies of the Sixteenth had the 
advance, followed by the Third loAva battalion, under 
command of Captain Herron, to whom Williams had 
given the command, allowing Lieut. Col. Scott to go 
along as a spectator ! The enlisted men did not, at the 
time, understand this shameful trick, but wondered to 
see Capt. Herron giving orders to the battalion in the 
presence of Lt. Col. Scott. The cannon, followed by 
the Home Guards, was in our rear. Of course so small 
a column did not present a yery imposing appearance ; 
but as we thus moved toward the enemy with measured 
and united tread, we felt a glow of spirits which can not 
be described. Having proceeded about four miles, we 
halted and partook of refreshments to the amount of a 
single hard cracker to the man, without grease, water or 
salt. 

Our road led through alternate woods and prairies, 
and over one or two small, muddy streams. The day 
was intensely hot, and being without canteens we suf- 
fered greatly from thirst. The country through which 



Recollections tviih the Third loiva. 49 

we passed was almost entirely deserted by the inhab- 
itants. We did not see half a dozen male citizens during 
the whole day's march. While marching through the 
open country, horsemen appeared, from time to time? 
on our flanks, but kept beyond the range of our guns, 
and reconnoitered us apparently with great coolness. 
In one instance the column halted and Fishbeem unlim- 
bered his gun and sent one or two shots after these 
curious gentlemen, which made them disappear in a 
hurry. This was, in reality, a very foolish performance ; 
.but it demonstrated to our admiring eyes the ability 
of Fishbeem to handle a cannon just as we thought it 
ou2i;ht to be done. From that time until the battle of 
Blue Mills, we put an immense amount of confidence in 
artillery, and would scarcely consider ourselves safe 
away from it. In marching through the woods, Col. 
Smith invariably kept a line of skirmishers deployed on 
either flank. This was almost a useless precaution ; for 
the line, never in advance of the column, afl*orded no 
protection against a concealed enemy in front. For all 
the good this did us, the enemy might have concealed 
himself ahead of us, and allowed us to march unsus- 
pectingly to within twenty rods of his cannon before 
firing. Colonel Smith was very kind and fatherly to us ; 
but it is plain he was not a military man. He should 
have kept at least a platoon moving ahead of us as an 
advanced guard. 

About two P. M. we came in sight of a party posted 
in the edge of a wood. Adjutant Sessions, somewhat 
excited, cried, " We have met the enemy and they are 
ours, boys ! " Some of the privates, equally excited, 



50 Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

perhaps, failed to see the point. The rebels had a fair 
field for a footrace ; hence the adjutant's mistake. The 
cannon galloped forward, the old driver keeping up an 
unearthly screeching for joy. We were put on the double 
quick. Many of the boys threw awaj their blankets, 
and even then, before the end of the race, got quite out 
of breath. But we kept our places in ranks pretty 
well. Verily we were going to have a fight. No, not 
quite so soon. The rebels kicked the bottom out of it 
by skedaddling as fast as they could. It was probably 
a small picket force. 

About 4 P. M., while we were marching through a 
long lane which led into a dense growth of young timber, 
and while the renowned " Dutch Company " of the Six- 
teenth, a company of German rifles, was deployed as 
skirmishers on either flank, the head of the column was 
fired into by a party of the enemy concealed immediately 
in advance of us. They fired about fifty shots, and per- 
haps a less number were fired in reply ; for the rebels 
immediately fled, leaving several horses tied to the trees 
and one man mortally wounded. The Colonel at this 
moment happened to be riding in the rear of the column, 
and in his absence every captain seemed to make such 
dispositions as he saw fit. Some companies climbed the 
fence to the left, some to the right, and some continued 
to advance along the road. Soon Colonel Smith rode 
up, appearing greatly surprised at all that had taken 
place, and pointing over to the left where no one 
dreamed of there being either foe or friend, said to 
Captain Ncwcomb, " Captain, any firing over in that 
direction ? " But the Colonel was by no means excited. 



Recollections ivith the Third Iowa, 51 

Indeed we never saw him excited. If ever he appreci- 
ated the magnitude of danger^ he never manifested it. 
So far he was a soldier. 

Suddenly Fishbeem galloped up with his cannon, and 
fired two or three shots with it into an old barn, greatly 
to our encouragement and doubtless to the huge merri- 
ment of our flying foe. Thus ended our first rencounter 
with the enemy, known in official papers as " Hager s 
Woods.^' 

In this little afiair Captain McAllister, of the Six- 
teenth, w^ho was riding in advance on horseback, was 
wounded in five places. " Kansas Jack," a soldier of 
the Sixteenth, w^ho had already distinguished himself as 
a scout, was wounded in the arm, and a teamster was 
slightly wounded. The injury done to the enemy, 
beyond the wounding mortally of one man, is not known. 
It must have been inconsiderable. 

Well, what did we do next ? We stood still in ranks 
for two hours, waiting for — nobody knows what. Night 
at length came. Between us and the enemy there was 
said to be five miles of unbroken wood. If he could 
draw us into ambuscade by daylight, it would be folly 
to advance now. So Colonel Smith wisely concluded to 
turn back and go into camp. We countermarched a 
mile and halted for the night in a field of newly har- 
vested rye. 

As soon as we had stacked arms, there was a general 
rush to the wagons for blankets. Some found their 
own, some appropriated the first they came to, and 
some were compelled to pass the night without any at 
all. A picket guard composed wholly of privates was 



52 Hecollectlojis ivitli the TJiircl lotua. 

posted by Adjutant Sessions around the camp, two men 
in a place, so as to form a line a quarter of a mile from 
it either way. This guard was simply a chain of videttes 
without a commanding officer, and not relieved during 
the night. The only instruction given to the men was 
to fire and retreat to camp if an enemy should appear. 
To their credit be it said, there was not a gun fired on 
the picket line that night. 

Day again dawned beautifully. Colonel Smith, after 
consulting his officers, considered it prudent to return 
to Monroe. Accordingly, at eight o'clock, the column 
began to move in retreat. About ten o'clock we came 
upon a small party of the enemy, at whom Fishbeem 
fired a few shots, which caused them to disappear 
hastily. All day the " Dutch Company " kept the 
flanks, and moved abreast of the column over fences 
and through thick woods in a manner that excited our 
admiration. Our stock of horses received some addi- 
tions by levies on rebel citizens, and an additional num- 
ber of scouts were mounted. 

About eleven o'clock we came in sight of Monroe, 
and what was our surprise to see the railroad depot and 
the train of cars we had left behind in flames ! On 
reaching a more commanding view, we saw a long line 
of rebel cavalry drawn up to receive us. We immedi- 
ately formed line, the cannon on the left. Fishbeem 
bade them good morning with a six pound ball which 
struck full in their midst. They did not wait for 
another salute, but broke over the hill and disappeared 
in the greatest precipitation. Then additional shots 
were fired, but they probably took no efl'ect, as the 



Recollections with the TJdrd lotoa. 53 

enemy were already behind the hill. Colonel Smith 
then gave the command to move forward. Captain 
Herron asked, '' Shall we advance in line, Colonel ? " 
To which the old Colonel replied characteristically, 
" Why, no ; the devils are gone." 

We now advanced tovv^ard the town, where we arrived 
about noon and took a position as much concealed as 
possible, the better to watch the movements of the 
enemy. The scouts reported that they found one horse 
with his leg shot off where Fishbeem's shot had first 
fallen among the cavalry. They now began to appear in 
large numbers on our left and right. A passenger 
train coming from the west got within half a league 
of us, when a body of horsemen galloped rapidly 
toward it. Perceiving this, and the track torn up in 
front of it, it halted and escaped by beating a hasty 
retreat. We now took a position in a three story brick 
seminary north of the town, which it was Colonel 
Smith's intention to make his point of defense. For 
instead of attacking the enemy, as we had come to do, 
it was evident that he was now preparing to attack us. 
All the afternoon columns of cavalry continued to 
debouch from the woods on the south-west whence we 
had retreated, now forming long lines in front, now 
separating and appearing again on all sides of us. It 
required more military experience than we possessed to 
divine what all this meant. Meanwhile columns of 
smoke rising in the distance to the east and west, told 
us that they were destroying the railroad, with the 
design of preventing succor from reaching us. Two 
Union men, who had escaped from their lines, confirmed 



54 Heeolledions with the Tliird Iowa. 

the report that they had cannon. It needed no state- 
ment of theirs to convince us that this force was im- 
mensely superior to our own ; for before night we were 
completely surrounded. 

Well, what preparations did Colonel Smith make in 
the meantime to meet them ? None at all. He walked 
around and smoked his pipe apparently with the greatest 
unconcern at all that was going on. His appearance 
was entirely calculated to inspire confidence in our 
situation ; but that of the enemy produced decidedly 
the opposite sensation. Colonel Smith made no prepa- 
rations ; but the officers of the Third Iowa took it upon 
themselves to erect works for defense. Captain New- 
comb and Lieutenant Brown took the lead in the 
matter ; the rest followed, and soon all the men were 
vigorously at work. It was commenced by tearing down 
some interior fences and tightly boarding the one which 
enclosed the seminary square, so as to conceal us com- 
pletely from the view of the enemy. Then, seizing all 
the intrenching tools the town afforded, we worked until 
dark, throwing up embankments of dirt on both sides 
of this wooden wall, the enemy all the while coolly 
surveying our operations. That night, we slept on our 
arms behind our works. 

Thursday, July 11. When the day dawned, parties 
of the enemy Avere in sight. During the forenoon they 
continued to appear until we w^ere again completely 
surrounded. By noon Ave had thrown up a tolerable 
breastwork, perhaps as strong as ordinary rifle-pits. 
Continuing to Avork leisurely upon them, Ave Avaited the 
movements of the enemy. 



Recollections with the Thh^d Iowa, 55 

Such was our first picture of -war. However it may 
appear now, it did not make us feel at all buoyant tken. 
We were surrounded — beleaguered. Our ammunition 
would not average fifteen rounds to the man, while our 
cannon had but forty rounds. The ammunition of 
Captain Herron's men, from being carried in their 
pockets was knocked to pieces, and muCh of it rendered 
unfit for use. Our supply of subsistence was nearly 
exhausted. We had corraled in our works a number 
of cattle, which would be a great help to us ; but the 
rebels had shrewdly driven ofl" all the rest. Our only 
supply of water was drawn from the cistern of the 
seminary which two or three days at most would 
exhaust. Had the rebels attacked us vigorously, we 
could have made a desperate resistance, but it must have 
been a short one. It was doubtless well for us that 
they did not know our situation, as it would have 
emboldened them to an attack. As it was, their move- 
ments exhibited unmistakable signs of fear. 

About two o'clock in the afternoon, an officer sta- 
tioned on the housetop with a glass informed Colonel 
Smith that the enemy was planting a cannon in the 
edge of the woods about three-fourths of a mile to the 
north. Another minute verified the statement. A flash 
was seen, a shock was heard, and a solid shot came 
whistling through the air. The first three or four shots 
were from a six pounder and fell short of us. But they 
commenced using a nine pounder, and their shots tore 
through the air unpleasantly close to our heads. At 
first they fired high and their shots struck in the middle 
of the town, or on the railroad track. But their aim 



56 Recollections loitli tJie Third loiva. 

soon became more accurate. One shot struck our gun 
carriage and came near dismounting the piece. Another 
struck the parapet behind which Company A of the 
Third Iowa lay concealed, and threw two or three 
bushels of dirt over them, to the infinite merriment of 
all who saw it at a pleasant distance. Most of the time 
during this cannonade, we rested behind our intrench- 
ments. A man in the building watched the enemy's 
artillery from a window, and when he would see the 
flash of their gun he would cry, " down ! " a command 
which we obeyed by dropping into the ditches, and 
hugging the earth most willingly. In Company H of 
our regiment, a gun went off by accident, killing one 
man as he lay in the trench. Colonel Smith walked 
about the enclosure, surveying things very coolly and 
giving orders. The enemy's cavahy closed in, princi- 
pally from the east, but their movements were slow and 
hesitating, and nothing could induce them to come 
within range of our muskets. We entertained a great 
contempt for such cavalry, and felt assured that we 
need not apprehend any harm from them as long as 
they kept mounted. Our cannon only replied twice to 
theirs. Colonel Smith deeming it prudent to save his 
ammunition for a greater emergency. 

At length a train of cars was seen approaching 
slowly from the east. It gave us joy, mingled with 
apprehensions ; for we had heard that the enemy had 
captured Palmyra, and did not know but that he might 
have captured the rolling stock at that point, and was 
in this way sending reinforcements against us. We 
could not but observe that it came very slowly, and we 



Recollections ivith the TJiird Iowa. 57 

were at a. loss to conjecture the cause of this. Finally, 
it approached sufficiently near for us to discern a flag 
upon it. Colonel Smith ordered Captain Smith who 
stood in the window with a glass, to direct it upon that 
flag. He did so ; and when he announced, " Colonel, 
it is the Stars and Stripes," there went up from every 
throat a shout of unfeigned joy. 

Fishbeem now dragged his gun into the middle of 
the enclosure, and opened upon the rebels with fine 
eff'ect, stampeding them in all directions. They got 
their artillery away as quick as possible, and then 
began to retreat, first to the south and then to the east, 
Fishbeem, all the while, visiting them with his hard 
favors. Their retreat soon assumed the character of a 
rout. We never saw the like in all our soldierinpr. 
There was nothing to run from that could possibly 
overtake them, and yet those men of chivalry ran — 
well, old trappers said their flight looked more like a 
herd of buffalo stampeding, than any thing to which 
they could liken it. 

Our reinforcements consisted of four companies of 
the Sixteenth with one piece of cannon. They had been 
all day coming from Palmyra, a distance of eighteen 
miles, having been compelled to repair the track where 
the enemy had torn it up. The engine was backing its 
train, and as it approached, the boys on board became 
so jubilant, that they neglected to keep a strict watch 
ahead of them. There was a place where the rebels had 
torn up a rail ; the train ran on to it, and the first two 
cars tumbled down the bank. The train was running 
slow, and fortunately no one was seriously hurt. 



58 Recollections with the TJiird Iowa. 

The coming friend, the flying foe, gave to us as we 
beheld them a feeling of indescribable joy. Aid had 
reached us in the moment when most needed. We might 
have been able to hold out without assistance ; but 
there would have been a limit to our endurance. He 
had fired in all twenty-two shots, nine of which had 
struck within our works, three of them passing through 
the building ; but no one was hurt. It is easy to cal- 
culate the chances of an assault. The rebels could 
not have carried our works by storm, until our ammu- 
nition had been exhausted. This he might have done 
by false attacks by night. They could not have done 
it in the daytime without great loss. As it was, had 
they possessed ordinary courage our situation would 
have been critical. On the other hand. Colonel Smith 
could have thrown his men into a square, and marched 
over the prairie to Palmyra, which by the wagon road 
"svas only fourteen miles distant, without being much 
disturbed. What are men on horseback with shot-guns 
against infantry with bayonets ? So we talked en- 
couragingly behind our works while the enemy was 
approaching. And now, when we saw him flying from 
nothing in such magnificent rout, we were more than 
convinced of the correctness of our conclusions. 

That night, as we had done the night before, we lay 
on our arms in the trenches. About three o'clock in 
the morning, the mounted pickets fired their pieces, 
and reported an enemy approaching in force. Our little 
garrison was thoroughly alarmed, and we made imme- 
diate disposition to receive him. The force proved to 
be most of the remaining portion of our regiment, 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 59 

approaching from the west under Col. Williams. The 
arrival of these comrades coming to our assistance gave 
us an additional joy, although they were too late to 
relieve us from our supposed peril. They had heard, 
through rebel sources, many reports of fighting near 
Monroe resulting disastrously to us, and had been all 
the while they were coming most impatient to reach 
us, and afford us relief. They complained loudly of 
Col. Williams for tardiness and hesitancy, in bringing 
them forward. Much blame has ever since been 
attached to that officer for not reinforcing sooner. It 
was said that he made a useless delay of several hours 
at Hudson. Some even went so far as to attribute this 
delay to cowardice. Others assert that the delay was 
made to procure ammunition. The Colonel himself has 
been heard to boast of the energy and promptness he 
displayed in this operation. It is not my purpose, 
nor is it pleasant for me, to discuss personal matters. 
I can only say, that on this, as on most other ques- 
tions, the general verdict of the officers and men was 
against him. 



CHAPTER IV. 

We prepare to march from Monroe — Arrival of Governor 
Wood with cavalry and artillery ; and of the Fourteenth 
Illinois — How Mr, Dugan speaks of this in his book — A change 
OF COUNCILS — The Third Iowa moves west on a train — Circum- 
stances OF the ride — Failure of an attempt to burn the Char- 
iton River bridge— A few details — How young soldiers some- 
times ORIGINATE FALSE ALARMS — OuR CAMP AT ChILLICOTHE — GEN- 
ERAL HURLBUT ASSUMES COMMAND OF THE TROOPS ON THE HaNNIBAL 

AND St. Josfph Railroad — We draw our accoutrements at last 
— We leave Chillicothe and go into camp at Brookfield. 

The morning after the affair at Monroe, our regiment 
prepared to march. But the arrival of additional rein- 
forcements changed the complexion of affairs. We were 
reinforced by a squadron of cavalry and a section of 
light artillery under Ex-Governor Wood, of Illinois, 
and by the Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, which came by 
rail. The Governor had come through from Quincy 
with a rush, burning the houses and confiscating the 
animals of guerrilla leaders, besides making prisoners 
of thirty or forty noted secessionists. 

An account of the arrival of these reinforcements is 
given by Mr. Dugan in his book entitled '' History of 
the Fighting Fourth Division." After detailing the 
circumstances of the journey of the Fourteenth from 
Monticello to Monroe, the grave " historian " goes on 
to say : 



RecoUedions ivitli the Third Iowa. 61 

"AVlien about two miles of town we left the cars and 
formed a line of battle, and supported Gov. Vv^ood (who 
had accompanied us with five companies of independent 
cavalry from Quincy, 111.), in a most brilliant charge 
upon the rebel columns, which resulted in their complete 
discomfiture. When the enemy's lines were broken by 
the impetuous charge of the Governor and his com- 
patriots, and as they were flying in the wildest disorder, 
the Sixteenth sallied forth from their hastily constructed 
entrenchments, and poured a most destructive volley 
into the enemy's ranks, which emptied many a saddle, 
and sent not a few traitors to their final account." 

My comrades, who were present on this occasion, will 
at once remark with what scrupulousness our author has 
detailed this occurrence. The Governor's " brilliant " 
and " impetuous " " charge " upon the " rebel columns," 
which had fled twenty hours before, reminds us strongly 
of Don Quixotte's charge upon the army of Alifranfraron. 
The first intimation we had of the coming of the Four- 
teenth, was, when seeing them march up, stack arms 
in column, and cook their dinners as quietly as Sancho 
Panza at the saddlebags. 

The old Governor seemed well pleased with the situa- 
tion, and withal very affable to the boys. When we 
complained of having suff'ered on account of rations, he 
told us, with a shrewd wink, that it was good enough for 
us ; we had no business to take prisoners with whom to 
divide our rations. Judging from his retinue of butter- 
nuts, his preaching did not at all harmonize with his 
practice. 

The councils were now changed — why, we did not 



62 Recollections with the Third lotoa. 

know. Our regiment went aboard a train of cars, and 
about two o'clock in the afternoon moved westward 
toward our former camp at Utica. About four o'clock, 
we reached Salt River Bridge, which the rebels had 
burned. Here we left this train, and with much trouble 
and fatigue got our baggage across the bridge and on 
board another train which was waiting to receive us. 

On this train we were crammed so closely together 
that it was impossible to lie down. Jolted and jammed 
by the motion of the cars, we passed the night somehow, 
and most of us got some sleep. Annoyed by these 
inconveniences, we little thought of the dangers of this 
nocturnal ride. The removal of a single rail by a mis- 
chievous citizen would have precipitated many of us into 
eternity. 

Daylight found us at Macon city, where the train had 
halted for some reason to pass the latter part of the 
night. We were exceedingly hungry, having eaten 
nothing since yesterday's breakfast. Colonel Williams, 
knowing the difficulties of restraining men, and espe- 
cially hungry men, in a town, posted guards and Avould 
allow no one to leave the train. He, however, took 
some of the officers with him and breakfasted at a hotel — 
an act which created, and justly, great indignation. An 
officer that will not share with brave men their hardships, 
as they share with him the perils from which he reaps 
glory, deserves universal execration. 

About ten o'clock we reached Chariton Bridge, and 
Company F was detached to guard it. An incident had 
occurred here, a couple of hours previous to our arrival, 
not a little exciting. A party of a dozen men of the 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 63 

Second Iowa had come from the west to guard this 
bridge. Arriving early in the morning, they had gone 
into a log house close by to get breakfast, when a party 
of rebels suddenly appeared and began preparations to 
set the bridge on fire. The Iowa boys sprung to their 
guns and rushed upon them. The rebels fled in confu- 
sion; but Lieutenant McKinney, the commander of the 
guard, attacked their leader, a young school teacher and 
law student, by the name of Marmaduke. He fell upon 
his knees and begged for mercy. But the lieutenant 
told him a bridge burner had no claims to mercy, and 
shot him through the head with his revolver. His dead 
body lay upon the railroad embankment near where 
Company F encamped. We buried him decently, giving 
him a soldier's grave. Subsequently some Union people 
of Callao came in behalf of his friends and disinterred 
the body and took it away. 

The situation of Company F was not at all enviable. 
As soon as we had got off the train with our lew effects 
it moved on. Since the previous morning, we had had 
nothing to eat, and for several days our rations had 
been scant. Our hunger was intense, a few rations 
of flour and bacon had been left for us ; but we had no 
cooking utensils except a few mess pans which we had 
procured, no one knew how\ AVe kindled a fire, kneaded 
some dough in these mess pans, wrapped it around 
sticks, and baked it in the blaze. We had scarcely had 
time to commence cooking dinner in this way, when half 
the company were ordered on picket. This, we thought, 
was seeing service. During the eight days we were 
here we were on guard half the time and sufi*ered all 



64 Recollections with the Tldrcl Iowa, 

these inconveniences. Contrcarj to the endeavors of our 
officers, none of our camp equipage was sent to us, — 
another circumstance which tended to increase our affec- 
tion for Colonel Williams. 

Having left Company F at Chariton Bridge, the 
train proceeded five miles further to Brush Creek 
Bridge, which the rebels had burned. Here the regi- 
ment halted till the following night, when having repaired 
the bridge. Colonel Williams left Company C to guard 
it, and sent Company E back to Chariton Bridge to 
reinforce Company F. He then proceeded with the 
remainder of the regiment to Chillicothe, where he 
arrived the following forenoon. A detail was imme- 
diately made to go to Utica to bring hither our tents, 
baggage, and camp equipage. The whole mass was 
thrown together without respect of companies, and 
brought to Chillicothe. A regimental camp was 
established, which the officers united in naming Camp 
Williams. 

The regiment was now disposed as follows : In the 
regimental camp at Chillicothe, Companies A, B, H, I 
and K ; at Grand River Bridge, four miles west of 
Chillicothe, Companies D and G ; at Brush Creek 
Bridge, forty miles east of Chillicothe, Company C ; 
at Chariton Bridge, forty-five miles cast of Chillicothe, 
Companies E and F. 

These detached companies were continually threat- 
ened more or less seriously by the enemy. They Avere 
expected to protect the bridges and the railroad track 
in their vicinity. Reports frequently came in to them 
from the surrounding country, that the rebels were 



Recollections zvith the Third Iowa. 65 



orfranizina; to attack them. But their instructions did 
not allow them to send out scouting parties to ascertain 
the truth of these reports. Indeed, the military 
knowledge we had expected on the part of our Colonel, 
he had as yet failed to exhibit. He did not even 
recommend these detached companies to construct 
stockades, nor were they provided with tools to do so, 
should it become necessary. None of these companies 
constructed works except Company F. We built of logs 
and sawdust a small square work around an old steam 
saw-mill, and named it Fort Brown after its projector, 
Lieut. Brown. Company A, which was subsequently 
detailed to guard Medicine Creek Bridge, built a small 
work near it of earth and logs. 

On the evening of July 20th, Companies E and F, 
after having passed a week of almost constant fasting 
and watching, sleeping what little they were allowed 
to sleep in the open air, harassed by day by continual 
reports of the enemy approaching in force, and by night 
by clouds of famished mosquitoes, were, to their great 
joy taken aboard a train of cars, and expected to be 
conveyed immediately to Chillicothe. Imagine, then, 
the surprise and rage of Company F, at being awakened 
about midnight and ordered to get off at another rail- 
road bridge in a timbered swamp. Company C was 
served in the same way. Company F relieved them at 
Locust Creek ; but instead of being taken through to 
Chillicothe, they were left at Medicine Creek. The 
following day, however, these companies were relieved, 
the former by Company H, and the latter by Company 
A, and joined the regiment at Chillicothe. Subse- 



66 Recollections ivitJi the Third loiua. 

quentlj Company D was recalled from Grand River 
Bridge ; but no companies were relieved after this, till 
the regiment changed camp to Brookfield. 

The time spent in guarding these bridges was a period 
of constant, and sometimes harassing watchfulness. We 
were constantly on the lookout for the enemy. We had 
an unusual number of reports of enormous forces ad- 
vancing against us, and night was prolific of false 
alarms. For in those days when the enemy were "bush- 
whackers," and videttes did not go to sleep on post, it 
was not hard for one of them, straining his eyes in the 
darkness, to convert an approaching horse or cow into 
a man ; and, as dumb beasts do not understand the 
meaning of the w^ord halt^ it is readily converted into 
an enemy. It was easy for him to hear " the tramp 
of armed feet" in the rustle of the wind among the 
leaves or in the walking of a few swine. And in the 
*' wee sma' hours," when the mind in spite of all 
its efforts to keep awake, is in a half-waking, half- 
sleeping state ; when imagination plays such tricks 
with reason as to weave a thousand airy images, and 
make us think they are real, it would require no great 
effort amid these noises, for the sentinel to see in the 
darkness forms of assassins moving from tree to tree, or 
lines of skirmishers approaching through the gloom. 
And, seeing this, of course he must fire, and the report 
of his piece would alarm the neighboring sentinels, and 
they, too, would see images and fire. Thus the camp 
w^ould be alarmed, and the men would be compelled to 
stand in ranks until the matter could be thoroughly 
investi";ated. 



MecoUedmis with the Third Iowa. 67 

Our regimental camp at Chillicothe was situated on 
the north side of the raih'oad, and within the limits of 
the town. The ground was an excellent greensward, 
and the camp was systematically laid out. Our duty 
was camp guard, picket guard and drill. The camp 
guard generally required the heaviest detail, A strong 
line of sentinels extended around the camp, and no per- 
sons could pass them except in squads under a non- 
commissioned officer for water, without a written pass 
from the regimental commander. And, under Colonel 
Williams, it was a serious thing to disobey orders ; and 
breaking guard was a risk which very few were willing 
to run. Whatever may be said against the Colonel, the 
discipline we attained under him while at Chillicothe, 
was highly creditable to him. It was in consequence 
of this discipline that our regiment had a good name 
among the citizens of Missouri, such as volunteer troops 
seldom gain among vStrangers or enemies. Their streets 
were not trodden by drunken soldiers ; their property 
was safe ; they no longer looked upon us as outlaws 
and monsters. They began to have confidence in us, 
and to take a more unprejudiced view of our cause. 
And who knows that our conduct did not make many 
friends of enemies ? But it was doubtless the confine- 
ment to which we were thus subjected in our hot, close 
tents, that increased our sick lists so greatly. The 
restraint imposed upon us was excessive and unreason- 
able. 

At Chillicothe our camp guard was managed accord- 
ing to the regulations, and the men learned the duties 
of the sentinel. But the manner in which our outpost 



68 Recollections with the Third Iowa, 

duty was done was horrible. As if to invite a surprise 
or a raid through our camp, Colonel Williams never had 
out pickets in the daytime. Nor did he ever send out 
a scouting party to ascertain the movements which w^ere 
going on around him. Did he rely on Providence 
alone, or on accidental reports from citizens ? Or did 
he unbosom his camp to his foes and trust to their 
magnanimity ? In the night — did the Colonel think the 
enemy so foolish as to attack him in the night in the 
summer season when there was so much daylight to 
operate in ? Or was he afraid of wolves ? In the night 
before " tattoo/' the ' officer of the day would string 
around the town a short distance from camp, twenty 
men, two in a place, without an officer, or even a non- 
commissioned officer over them. These men were not 
relieved till morning, when they would come in, accord- 
ing to instructions, of their own accord. If there was 
any military knowledge displayed in this arrangement, 
"we were never able to see it. 

Is it surprising then, that the rebels should have 
organized a company of cavalry within nine miles of 
us ? Colonel Williams heard of this when it was too 
late, and sent a detachment of men in the night to look 
after them. This detachment was provided with ammu- 
nition at the rate of ten rounds to seven men, or 1-f- 
rounds to the man ! But the foolish fellows got wind 
of our coming and ran off. 

In this connection, Colonel Williams' attempt at for- 
tifying deserves mention. He commenced throwing up 
a small work around the Union Hotel, where he had his 
headquarters, the flanks of it resting on the railroad, 



Recollections luitli the Third Iowa, 69 

Trliich here runs in a moderate cut. What it was 
intended for we can guess : to be garrisoned by a small 
force when we should leave. What it was good for, no 
one but Colonel Williams could tell. Charley Kostman 
constructed it ; as far as his part was concerned, it was 
good. It was evidently intended for about a hundred 
men. Was it intended to resist artillery ? Why, then, 
was the parapet so weak ? Was it intended to contain 
artillery ? Why, then, were there no embrasures ? Was 
it intended to protect infantry ? The houses of the town 
on all sides of it could be filled with sharpshooters who 
would render it untenable. Was it intended for any 
thing ? A party of men could run up the railroad track 
and get into it easily. It was in all respects a humbug ; 
unless it be that it enabled the Colonel to sleep more 
soundly than before it was built. And there it doubt- 
less stands to this time — a sublime monument to the 
genius of him who Avas chosen colonel of the Third Iowa, 
because he was a military man. 

If Colonel Williams wanted to put up a small work 
against infantry, why did he not cut timber and make 
a stockade ? If he wanted to make a fort which would 
resist artillery, why did he not select an eligible spot, 
and make one which would answer the purpose ? No : 
he had a grander and sublimer object. It was to put 
the Union Hotel in a state of defense. And for this 
purpose he kept heavy details working, day after day, 
digging the baked earth in the hot sun, — which was an 
outrage, and so we regarded it. 

In the meantime, Brigadier General Hurlbut arrived 
at Quincy, Illinois, and assumed command of the forces 



70 Recollections witli the Third loiva. 

on the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad. Of this 
general we knew nothing, except that we had under- 
stood he was without military experience, — a circum- 
stance not calculated to give us much confidence in him, 
especially when we thought of the disasters of Big 
Bethel and Bull Ran. On assuming command, he 
issued a proclamation to the citizens of Missouri, which 
was about what they would have expected from a 
Federal general. He adopted General Pope's plan 
of making the citizens responsible for damages done 
the railroad in their vicinity. This was correct ; for 
hitherto citizens had been mainly instrumental in these 
depredations. He also issued an order announcing the 
daily routine for the troops. By this order we were 
compelled to drill in the schools of the soldier, company 
and battalion, — in all, seven hours a day. 

Few of my comrades have pleasant recollections of 
these long drills of Chillicothe. The heat was intense 
and relaxing, and the health of the regiment extremely 
bad. At one time, more than half of some of the com- 
panies were on the sick list, and few of us were entirely 
well. And yet the water we obtained from the wells 
of citizens w^as excellent, and our camp was a model 
of order. and cleanliness. 

On our battalion drills. Colonel Williams generally 
commanded. He taught us to execute several move- 
ments after the manner of Scott, and once or twice 
confessed that it was hard for him to get used to Hardee. 
He paid particular attention to instructing the battalion 
to form lines of battle rapidly and in various ways. As 
a di-ill-master he was rigid even to severity. It must 



I 



Recollections with the Third loiva. 71 

be allowed, that it was one of Colonel Williams' first 
objects of desire to see the regiment Y/ell drilled. 

It was not till the 4th of August that we drew our 
accoutrements. Let us look back : uj^ to this time, we 
had been in an insurrectionary district, filled with 
irregular forces of the enemy. From Calloway county, 
which Harris held with two or three thousand men, a 
two days ride would have brought an enemy to our 
camp. I can not see any excuse for this criminal care- 
lessness. We ought to have been supplied with accou- 
trements and ammunition, or kept at home. If Colonel 
Williams had cartridges, he ought to have issued a 
supply to his men. If he did not have any, he ought to 
have seized powder and lead from the citizens, of Avhich 
they had plent}^ Singular good fortune, that we were 
not all captured ! Were the gods propitious, or were 
our enemies too chivalrous to assail us, defenseless as 
we were ? 

Thus, with hard crackers and hard discipline ; with 
constant drills and heavy fatigues ; with full guard 
houses and frequent courts martial ; in heat, dust, sick- 
ness and discomfort, we passed an irksome month at 
Chillicothe. 

On the 7th of August we packed our baggage, struck 
tents at the tap of the drum, got aboard a train of cars 
and proceeded to Brookfield, the midway station be- 
tween Hannibal and St. Joseph. We passed the first 
night without anything to eat, which naturally gave us 
pleasant feelings towards certain ofiicers who looked out 
for their own comfort by supping at the hotel. The 
following day we established our regimental camp on a 



72 Recollections with the Third loioa. 

beautiful hill on the prah'ie, about a half mile east of 
the town and near the railroad track. We were com- 
pelled to dig wells to procure water. Our duties were 
much the same as at Chillicothe, except that we did no 
nocturnal picketing, a squadron of the Second Illinois 
Cavalry, and Colonel Morgan's regiment of Missouri 
Cavalry, which was organizing at this place, doing this 
duty in our stead. 

The only incident worthy of note during our stay at 
Brookfield w^as, that the feeling against Colonel Wil- 
liams was on one occasion so aggravated by his conduct 
and that of Surgeon Edwards, that it broke out in an 
act of open mutiny. It was quieted, however, without 
any serious consequences. Let us draw the veil of for- 
getfulness over an occurrence so unfortunate, and, when 
viewed at a distance by those unacquainted with the 
circumstances, so discreditable to our regiment. 



CHAPTER V. 

Activity of the rebels — Colonel Martin Green — We are 
ordered against iiim — details and incidents of the march from 
Macon City to Kirksville — Character of the Home Guards — 
Condition of the country — Our situation at Kirksville — De- 
tails OF our occupation of that place — Arrival of reinforce- 
ments under General Hurlbut — Our complaints and expecta- 
tions. 

It could not be expected that an enemy as active as 
the one we were attempting to suppress would allow us 
nothing to do. While we were busily engaged disciplin- 
ing, he was energetically organizing. Price had been 
defeated at Booneville, and driven almost out of the 
State ; but the secessionists seemed everywhere to have 
confidence in him. Some of them had followed him in 
New Mexico, and under him had one of the greatest 
of leaders. He had now joined McCullough on the bor 
ders of Arkansas, and, having greatly augmented his 
forces, was undertaking no one knew how grand an 
object — perhaps the conquest of Missouri. Already he 
had put our army in the southwest on the defensive. 
Nay, the rebel sympathizers were at this time exulting 
over the reported disaster at Springfield, which was a 
two fold disaster, on account of the death of the gallant 
Lyon. 

For some time, one Martin Green, a citizen of Canton^ 
Missouri, a brother of the well knoAvn ex-senator Green, 
7 



74 Recollections witli the TJiird Iowa. 

acting under tlie authority of General Price, had been 
organizing in north-east Missouri, and principally north 
of the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad, a force of 
mounted men. Having been badly whipped near Athens, 
Missouri, by Colonel Moore, then commanding a regi- 
ment of home guards, but since the gallant Colonel of 
the Twenty-first Missouri, he had adopted the w^ise policy 
of shunning his enemies and employing his time in 
recruiting his force and collecting supplies. He was 
now said to be near Kirksville, about forty miles north 
of the railroad, and General Hurlbut projected an expe- 
dition against him. For this purpose he ordered Colonel 
Williams to detach from our regiment a force of five 
hundred men under Lt. Col. Scott. 

On the 15th of August, at 1 P. M., orders were 
issued to us to prepare immediately for a march. The 
whole regiment, with the exception of the sick and con- 
valescent, were assembled in line, and, after detailing 
from the several companies a guard of fifty men to be 
left behind with the camp, the force was reduced to the 
requisite number. Forty rounds of ammunition were 
issued to us. This we considered an omen of something 
to do ; for we had heretofore carried but ten rounds. We 
took three days rations in our haversacks. For want 
of knapsacks we twisted or rolled our blankets, tied the 
ends to<]:ether and slunff them over our shoulders. This 
mode of carrying a blanket on light marches, where no 
additional clothing is necessary, is preferable to carrying 
a knapsack. Colonel Williams remained at Brookfield 
in command of the camp. 

At 5 P. M. Ave got aboard a train of cars, and dark 



Recollections with the Third lotva, 75 

found us in Macon City. General Hurlbut appearing 
on horseback as we got off the cars, led us to believe he 
was going to command the expedition in person. In 
this we were disappointed. We marched to the camp 
of a detachment of the Sixteenth Illinois which was 
stationed at this place, and having eaten a supper of 
pilot bread and raw meat, lay down on our arms and 
went to sleep. While we were sleeping, a train of cars 
arrived, having on board Capt. Madison's artillery com- 
pany, with two guns and a good supply of ammunition. 
This force was increased by the addition of Fishbeem 
and squad with his unfailing six pounder. We were 
also joined by same mounted men. 

At midnight we were aroused and ordered to fall in. 
The column was soon in mo!ion. The night was dark, 
and we stumbled along in a most disagreeable manner 
over the roots of trees that crossed the road in all direc- 
tions. 

It was amusing to listen to the various conjectures as 
to our destination. Most of them, however, as is seldom 
the case, were in the main correct. The principal error 
consisted in supposing the enemy's force greater than 
it really was. 

Colonel Scott rode or walked along, sometimes giving 
his horse to a lame soldier, or perhaps taking his gun, 
and talking all the while in that genial, unaffected man- 
ner which made him so great a favorite among the men. 
We Avere not sorry that the command of the expedition 
had been given to him. 

About sunrise we arrived at the little village of 
Atlanta, where we halted in a shady grove to rest. 



76 Recollections with the Third Iowa, 

About 2 P. M. the march was resumed. The day was 
warm and the roads very dusty. There was plenty of 
water in the wells along the route, but all the men 
could not procure it without much straggling, and we 
suffered considerably from thirst. An advanced guard 
commanded by Lieutenant Call preceded the column half 
a mile, with a few mounted Home Guards as far in 
advance of them. 

While marching tlirougli the little village of Laplata, 
an incident occurred wliich excited a good deal of mer- 
riment. Lieut. Call had been informed by a citizen who 
had joined us, that, at a certain house, a hotel in that 
place, they kept, and frequently displayed, a rebel Hag. 
This the lieutenant resolved to have. He drew up his 
guard before the house, and went in, followed by his two 
sergeants, and demanded it. The landlord, a wretched 
looking creature, avowed his secession sympathies 
openly, saying, at the same time, that it was honorable 
to do so, which the lieutenant could not deny. But the 
lady (here was the rub. — easier to capture the colors of 
a regiment) said the flag had been given to her to make 
into dresses for the children, that it was private property, 
and we could not have it. But the lieutenant insisted 
that a treasonable emblem was contraband of war, and 
that he iiuist have it. Still she refused ; whereupon the 
lieutenant pointed to the man and said, '' Sergeants, take 
him out." The sergeants clapped their hands on his 
back, and said, " Come with us, sir 1 " The children 
began to shriek, and the old lady cried, " You may have 
the flag ! You may have the flag ! " The lieutenant 
attached it to a lance and presented it to the battalion 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 77 

as it marched up, amid a most furious intermingling of 
cheers, yells and groans. Thus did the redoubtable 
advanced guard carry the enemy's town and capture a 
stand of colors before the arrival of the main force. 

In the afternoon, a joke occurred, and it is doubtful 
whether it rested harder upon Lieutenant Call or the 
Home Guards in advance. While the lieutenant was 
marching leisurely along with his guard, a party of the 
former came riding back, frantic with excitement, and 
reported having seen the enemy's camp fires not far 
beyond in the edge of a wood. He put liis men on the 
double quick, and sure enough they soon came in sight 
of a smoke. It was no humbug, thought they. The 
Home Guards had seen the enemy. When they had 
arrived within a convenient distance, the guard was 
halted, and the lieutenant rode forward at the head of 
the home guards to reconnoitre. We watched them, 
breathless with expectation. They rode full on to the 
enemy's entire force. It consisted of two women wash- 
ing ! Major Stone had just rode up, and when the 
lieutenant reported his discovery, he indulged in some 
remarks at his expense, which sounded more appropriate 
than they would now. 

We halted for the night about three miles north of 
Laplata, near the residence of a Union man, who had an 
excellent well of water, sufficient to supply the whole 
force. Mounted pickets were posted on tlie approaches 
to our position. We could only account for this un- 
usual precaution on the ground that the man who 
now had command possessed some common sense. 
Having refreshed ourselves on such a supper as our 



78 Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

haversacks afforded, we spread down our blankets and 
slept. 

At seven o'clock in the mornincr we asiain moved. 
All along the route, home guards continued to join us 
in squads, large and small, mounted on such horses as 
they had, and armed with squirrel rifles and shot guns. 
These men, though patriotic and brave, were without 
any experience in the business of war, and, for the most 
part, without organization. On this account we were 
not supposed to put great reliance on them. They 
were under the obligation of an oath, and could go and 
come at pleasure. But they had incentives to action to 
which we were strangers. They had seen the treason 
with which we were at war, and dwelt among it. It had 
assailed our country only ; it had not only assailed their 
country, but their firesides. They had seen its mon- 
strous representatives, robbers, murderers, incendiaries. 
They had met it on their doorsteps. It had murdered 
and robbed their friends, and threatened them with like 
treatment for loving their country. This, now, was their 
hour of deliverance. They had come to assist strangers 
against a common enemy. Their homes and possessions 
appealed to them. Their dear helpless ones stretched 
their arms imploringly, and seemed to say to them, " We 
trust in you ; save us : be men." They had come to 
fight without pay, and if necessary, to board themselves. 
They reported to Colonel Scott, and obeyed his orders 
without murmuring or hesitation. The strong motives 
which impelled them to take up arms, and the knowledge 
that discipline is the strength of an army, made them 
willing, if not skillful soldiers. 



Recollections with the Tliird loiva. 79 

But another fact made tliem a great auxiliary to us. 
They knew who among the citizens were friends, and 
who enemies. They were able to give us valuable in- 
formation concerning the enemy. Besides they hailed 
from all sections of the country, and on this account 
made valuable scouts. But they absolutely knew not 
what to do ; they wanted some one to show them. Jim 
Call was exactly the man. His every characteristic 
admirably fitted him to command them. Cool, daring, 
audacious, always taking the lead and commanding his 
men to follow. Colonel Scott placed him in this position. 
Whole companies reported to him, and captains obeyed 
him with most undoubting confidence. 

Our line of march was through lanes, bordered on 
both sides by cultivated fields, most of the land being 
planted with corn. The country was a convenient ap- 
portionment of timber and prairie, fertile and inviting. 
The inhabitants seemed well to do, and almost every 
dwellino; had an air of comfort about it, if not of refine- 
ment. Indeed, in our subsequent marches in Missouri, 
we saw few places where this was not the case. We 
noticed few negroes ; and every thing indicated that the 
labor was carried on by the more willing and skillful 
hands of free laborers. What could so attach this people 
to slavery, a system in which they could have little 
interest, as to induce them to take up arms against 
their country for its sake, will be a wonder to history 
as it was to us. As if out of punishment for the wrong 
done its unfortunate victims, this system is a source of 
infinite evil to the white man, — a noxious vapor that 
spreads pestilence in society. Could there be a greater 



80 Recolleetions with the TJiird Iowa. 

evidence of this than the deplorable state of things in 
this section of country ? The operation of civil law had 
ceased, justice had no sway, magistrates no authority. 
Arraio-ned for offenses ag-ainst traitors, bands of ma- 
rauders and assassins were the citizens' only tribunal. 
Calling themselves soldiers, and under pretense of mili- 
tary necessit}^, they availed themselves of every oppor- 
tunity to satiate private malice in theft and robbery, 
and settle feuds of long standing, perhaps, in blood. As 
a natural consequence, neighbors -were in arms against 
each other ; friends became enemies, and brothers are 
known to have joined the opposing forces and sought 
each other's life. An old citizen of Kirksville had a 
son in the camp of the rebel Green, and another in St. 
Louis endeavoring to procure arms for a Federal regi- 
ment then organizing, and of which he was to be the 
colonel. 

The American people are not stoics. They realize 
quickly and feel keenly what is transpiring around them, 
or coming upon them. The people of this section had 
too much on their minds to allow them to pursue quietly 
their usual avocations. The younger and the more reso- 
lute were rushing, as feeling or choice impelled them, to 
the camp of the insurgents or the standard of the coun- 
try. The rest Avere awaiting the course of events, or 
watching, each his neighbor, with trembling and hesita- 
tion. On the whole day's march we saw but one man 
at work in the fields. He was loading hay close by the 
road, and scarcely seemed to notice us as we marched 
along. His appearance excited the admiration of the 
boys, some of whom cried out, " bully for you ! " Most 



Recollections tvifh the Third Iowa. 81 

of the people who showed themselves to us were friends. 
The women and children saluted us with waving flags, 
and, in some cases, the men stood armed waiting to join 
us. One old negro stared at us curiously as we marched 
along, and cried out, " Gorrj mighty ! de've got lightnin' 
rods on der guns ! De secesh no stan' dat ! " 

As we approached Kirksville, we heard all manner of 
reports concerning the enemy. It was said that he was 
not far beyond the town and would give us a fight. His 
force was estimated at from 1,500 to 3,000, with three 
pieces of cannon. These reports greatly hightened the 
enthusiasm of the boys, and served to divert their minds 
from the pain of their blistered feet and the excessive 
heat and dust of the day. 

About noon, we halted three miles from the town, 
and after a short rest resumed the march. When nearly 
arrived there, Colonel Scott halted the battalion, brought 
it to a front, and made some well-timed remarks which 
were received with great attention. He exhorted us 
to patient endurance of whatever we would be called on 
to suffer, and not to let any breach of discipline sully 
our name. He ended by telling us that we would 
doubtless soon have an opportunity of meeting the 
enemy, which raised a great shout, showing the willing- 
ness of the men to fight, and their confidence in their 
commander. Major Stone followed with a few remarks, 
which excited much enthusiasm. We then entered 
Kirksville with flags flying, and drums beating Yankee 
Doodle. 

Here we halted and stacked arms. Green was on 
Salt River, seven miles to the east. Why did we not 



82 Recollections ivith the Third loiva. 

push on ? The reason is this : Colonel Scott's orders 
were to march to Kirksville and hold the ijlace. He 
was also to cooperate with Colonel Moore. This officer 
with his command was somewhere in the vicinity of 
Athens, and Green was between him and us. Coopera- 
tion between two forces with the enemy betAveen them 
is something unusual in war. If Colonel Scott's force 
was not sufficient to attack the enemy singly, he cer- 
tainly should not have been compelled to remain here, 
exposed to an attack from him. Moreover, we had no 
subsistence beyond what we had brought in our haver- 
sacks, and the rebels had stripped the country of almost 
everything which could be converted into rations. It is 
impossible to see the design of this movement. 

Our first operation was to establish a guard-house, 
and arrest a number of disloyal citizens. But these 
traitors were dismissed on taking the oath of allegiance. 
We took quarters for the night in vacant buildings be- 
longing to rebel citizens. 

The following day we were visited by many citizens ; 
some coming to declare their friendship, some out of 
curiosity, while some were doubtless spies of the enemy. 
A few also were refugees from the reign of terror which 
Green had inaugurated wherever he held sway. About 
4 P. M., a report came to Colonel Scott which induced 
him to send out scouting parties in different directions. 
Considerable excitement ensued in camp, but nothing 
transpired. That night, Lieut. Call reconnoitred the 
enemy's position, and captured two of his mounted 
pickets. He did this by passing through their lines, 
and coming upon them from the direction of their camp. 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 83 

He answered their challenge as friends, and then riding 
up closely with his party at his back, pointed his 
revolver at them and told them to put down their guns, 
which they did. They were armed with good looking 
squirrel rifles, without bayonets, and had curious con- 
trivances for carrying their ammunition. The boys 
visited the guard house next day, and gazed upon them 
with much curiosity. They did not look like bad 
men, said they had been deceived, and seemed very 
penitent. 

"What shall be done with them?'' was asked. 
" Shoot them," said one. " No," said another, " they 
are traitors, and do not deserve a soldier's death; hang 
them." Others said, " treat them as prisoners of w^ar. 
They are ignorant men and believe they are right. 
Hang the leaders. They are intelligent men, and know 
they are wrong." Few of the enlisted men were in 
favor of the policy which was adopted, — though it was 
at that time in general practice throughout Missouri, 
viz.: allowing them to take the oath and go. 

Lieut. Call found the enemy camped on Salt River 
bottom, nine miles east of Kirksville. From this time 
until we left Kirksville, he, at the head of scouting 
parties composed of Home Guards and volunteers from 
our regiment, watched the enemy constantly, and 
kept Colonel Scott advised of his position and 
movements. 

We had no clothing, tents nor camp equipage ; but 
we accommodated ourselves to our situation somehow, 
and endeavored so far to disregard the presence of the 
enemy as to renew the routine of camp duty. 



84 Recollediayis with tlte TJtird Iowa. 

But in tills we failed ; for though we had a short 
battalion drill on the forenoon of the 19th, something 
transpired to induce the belief that the enemy was 
advancing, and we were ordered to be ready to form 
line of battle at 2 P. M. We swallowed a hasty dinner, 
when the battalion was formed, and took position in 
rear (to the west) of the town, behind a rail fence and 
in the edge of a growth of young timber, behind which 
stretched for several miles toward Grand River an 
uninterrupted forest. If this position had the disad- 
vantage of the town before it, which would obstruct our 
fire and aiford shelter to the enemy, it had what was 
perhaps an advantage, the forest behind it, Avhich would 
afford cover in case we should be compelled to retreat. 
We cut brush and piled it against the fence before us, 
so as effectually to conceal ourselves from Adew. Be- 
hind this breastwork of leaves and boughs Ave waited. 
Some thought they could see a column of horsemen 
moving in the distance past our left. This was probably 
imagination. We soon gave up all expectation of a 
fight, and scattered ourselves in knots and groups under 
the shade trees. The boys Avere amusing themselves 
playing cards and telling anecdotes, when a report came 
in that cast a gloom o\^er many countenances. Corporal 
Dix, of Com.pany C, Avas killed. He Avas leading a 
small scouting party, and had stopped at the house of 
a citizen four miles from camp to get dinner, Avlien he 
was surprised by a small party of the enemy, and 
after a short, hand to hand fight, was himself killed 
and his party put to flight. They inflicted some 
injury upon the rebels ; but amid the conflicting state- 



Recollections with the Third loiva, 85 

merits no definite conclusion on this point could be 
formed. 

Corporal Dix was the first man in our regiment that 
fell by the hand of the enemy. He was an excellent 
comrade, and, like every good soldier, desired a name. 
For this he became a scout, and almost immediately 
won the admiration of the regiment. It was a misfor- 
tune to lose so promising a soldier. There were many 
commissioned officers in the service worth infinitely less 
to the country than he. Thus the first sacrifice of our 
regiment was one of its best and noblest men. A flag 
of truce brought in his body, and the next evening at 
sunset, it was buried with military honors. 

We remained in this position the following day. 
This day Captain Hawks' company of Plome Guards 
was organized. It amused our boys greatly to witness 
this ceremony. The first sergeant commanded the 
men to " fall in in two rows like the Regulars." The 
Home Guards called us Regulars. This expression 
afterwards became a byword in our regiment. The 
same day a report was brought in by four scouts that 
Lieut. Call had been cut off" by the enemy with his 
whole party, and that they would be captured. This 
was true ; but by riding a circuit of about tAventy 
miles they escaped, and arrived in camp about mid- 
night. 

The foUoAving afternoon, the camp was again thrown 
into a state of excitement by the reported approach 
of the enemy. The long roll was beaten, and the men 
fell in under arms. The camp guard, which was a strong 
one, was dismissed, and the men reported to their 



86 Recollections with the Third Iowa, 

respective companies. A party of men appeared in a 
corn-field in front of our position, and approached suf- 
ficiently near to draw the fire of our artillery. Four 
shells sufficed to drive them away. This time W8 
thought there would surely be a fight. The enemy had 
been seen and shot at. But we soon concluded that it 
was only a reconnoitering party that had disturbed us, 
and relapsed into our usual quiet. 

The following day a drizzling rain drove us into the 
town for shelter. The different companies occupied 
such vacant buildings as suited them best. As we were 
retiring for the night, we were alarmed by the dis- 
charge of a cannon. A party of Home Guards had some 
cattle in a field, and riding in reported the enemy ad- 
vancing ! Fishbeem, who had been among the first to 
hear the report, had taken the responsibility of a little 
artillery practice. The regiment immediately turned 
out. Battalion was not formed; but the companies 
were so disposed as to support the cannon which were 
stationed at the cross streets on the corners of the pub- 
lic square, a part being held in reserve. Captain Madi- 
son threw several shells in the direction in which the 
rebels were supposed to be advancing. It was very 
foolish thus to waste ammunition, shooting at darkness 
and air. Fishbeem took the more satisfactory course 
of firing solid shot at the house of one Purcel, a member 
of the State Legislature, and a notorious secessionist. 
This operation had the effect of making a small hole 
through the upper part of his mansion, and of scaring 
his negroes nearly out of their wits. Scouts were sent 
out and searched thoroughly, but found no enemy. 



JRecoUeetions with the Third Iowa, 87 

Having stood till midnight in a cold, drenching rain, we 
were allowed to go to our quarters. 

The next morning a citizen brought a report that 
Colonel Smith, coming to reinforce us, had been at- 
tacked at Laplata. Several companies and a piece of 
cannon were immediately got ready to reinforce him, 
when another arrival contradicted this report, and 
stated that General Hurlbut was coming to join us with 
a large force. This proved to be true. His force con- 
sisted of the Sixteenth Illinois, and a two pounder 
cannon named " Old Abe." Our regiment was formed 
in line, and as our General approached at the head of 
his little column, we received him with presented arms, 
the artillery at the same time firing a salute. 

We now had hopes that the assurance Colonel Scott 
had given us before marching into Kirksville would 
shortly be realized. The arrival of reinforcements suf- 
ficient to double our present force, together with the 
commanding general, we looked upon as an earnest 
of immediate action. We did not now stop to inquire 
into the policy which had kept us a week in the pre- 
sence of a superior force of the enemy without support, 
and in a destitute condition. We thought we under- 
stood why we had not attacked the enemy : because 
we had not been allowed to do so. But we did not 
understand why we had received no supplies. We only 
knew that when the expedition was getting ready to 
start from Brookfield, Colonel Williams had said that 
we were only to be gone three days. He would not 
allow Quartermaster Clark to accompany it ; and it was 
only at the urgent request of Colonel Scott, Quarter- 



B8 Becolleetions ivith the Third Iowa, 

master Sergeant Mix was allowed to do so. In pro- 
curing subsistence from the country, the services of the 
latter were invaluable. 

As it was evident to us that so far the whole thing 
had been badly managed by some one higher in com- 
mand than Colonel Scott ; our complaints would now 
have entirely ceased, had it not been for the fact that 
the only things which had come to us with these rein- 
forcements in the way of supplies, were a few camp 
utensils. Thus we were almost as destitute as before. 
But we were willing to endure anything, if it would 
result in victory. 

The enlisted men noAV expected nothing else than to 
be led against the rebels. Not one of us doubted the 
result. The same evening our force was augmented 
by the arrival of 150 Home Guards from the northern 
border of the State. It now consisted of 400 Home 
Guards, 1,200 Infantry, and four pieces of cannon. 
Surely there would be no delay now. We almost felt 
the exultation of victory. Let us see how we were 
disappointed. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Lieut. Call reconnoiters and reports the enemy's position — 
Col. Scott desires to attack him with the Third Iowa, the 
Home Guards, and the Artillery — General Hurlbut declines 

his consent dangers of such a movement disappointment of 

THE MEN — The General reviews the troops — And issues a pro. 

CLAMATION — He SENDS IT BY FLAG OF TRUCE TO GrEEN's CAMP — GrEEN 
don't SEE THE POINT, BUT TAKES THE HINT AND GETS READY TO 

LEAVE — The General issues an order against plundering — Fur- 
ther DETAILS OF OUR CONDITION A DETACHMENT GOES TO LANCASTER 

AFTER SUPPLIES — EsCAPE AND PURSUIT OF GrEEN — DETAILS OF THE 

MARCH— Suffering, straggling and plundering — Night at Wil- 
soNsviLLE — Night at Bear Creek — Scouts from Moore — Junction 
with Moore at Bethel--Appearance of that place — Character 

AND hospitality OF THE INHABITANTS — CHANGE OF PLANS MoORE 

AND Smith pursue the enemy; Hurlbut and Scott move directly 

TOWARD THE RAILROAD NoON AT ShELBYVILLE ANOTHER PRO- 
CLAMATION A MAN STRAGGLES AHEAD OF THE COLUMN AND IS SHOT 

BY BUSHWHACKERS — NiGHT AT SheLBINA TlIE SITUATION We PRO- 
CEED TO Brookfield. 

On the evening of General Hurlbut' s arrival at Kirks - 
ville, Lieut. Call reconnoitered Green's camp and the 
approaches to it. Since our arrival at this place, he had 
changed his camp to another point on Salt River bottom, 
several miles south. One main road, crossing this stream 
in an east and west direction, ran through it. Thus it 
could be approached from front and rear. It was about 
fourteen miles distant. The road approaching it from 
the rear could be gained by performing a detour of 
8 



90 UceoUections tvith the Third loiva. 

seven or eight miles. His camp was surroimded by a 
high ranoie of hills over which he could not retreat with- 
out the loss of his baggage and artillery. Hence, in 
case of his defeat, if these two roads were held with 
sufficient force, his entire materiel would fall into our 
hands. It would require only a simultaneous attack on 
these two roads to insure a speedy and decisive victory. 
It was ten o'clock at night when Lieut. Call reported 
the result of his reconnoisance. Colonel Scott immedi- 
ately requested General Hurlbut to allow him to march 
that night and attack the enemy with his own regiment, 
the mounted Missourians and Madison's artillery. The 
news of this proposal spread quickly among the men. 
We expected nothing else than an immediate night 
march upon the enemy. The enthusiasm was unbounded. 
Meanwhile the General was consulting with Col. Scott 
and one or two other officers. Most of the officers of 
our regiment were in favor of Col. Scott's proposition. 
Whatever doubts they may have entertained of our ability 
to cope with the large force Green had gathered, they 
knew that nothing less than a victory would quiet the 
murmurs of their men, and repay them for the needless 
sufferings they had undergone. But General Hurlbut 
was of a different mind. He thought that the Sixteenth 
having marched sixteen miles that day, would not be in 
a condition to fight after marching sixteen more. There 
was much truth in this, although its importance might 
not have been appreciated at that time. To Colonel 
Scott's request to be allowed to march and attack the 
enemy with his own force, the mounted Missourians and 
Madison's artillery, he at first assented. But soon after, 



Recollections tvifJi the Third lotva, 91 

a lieutenant of the artillery came in with a groundless 
report that Green had received reinforcements. This 
determined the General not to run the risk of dividing 
his command. Besides, he is said to have made a remark 
which induced the belief that he expected aid from 
General Pope. It may be that the consideration of co- 
operation from Col. Moore had some influence on this 
decision. 

At all events, it is doubtful whether it would have 
been safe to allow Col. Scott to move as he desired. 
Night is a poor time to fight battles. A single mistake, 
caused by the darkness, might bring about the heaviest 
disasters. To attack an enemy in the night, unless the 
attacking party is thoroughly acquainted with his situa- 
tion, is exchanging probability for chance. Our enemy 
was constantly on the alert, and Colonel Scott could 
not hope to surprise him. His force was camped in a 
dense forest, and Colonel Scott did not know the ground. 
To attack him in the rear, he would be compelled to 
make a circuit of more than twenty miles before gaining 
the required position. This would place Green between 
him and Hurlbut at Kirksville, in a central position be- 
tween two forces which united were numerically inferior 
to his own. Colonel Scott would not have attempted 
to divide so small a force to attack Green at once in 
front and rear. Had he moved at all, he would have 
moved in but one way — directly upon the enemy, with 
his force united and Hurlbut at Kirksville at his back. 
This plan might have succeeded, but the risk would 
have been great. But there is no doubt that if General 
Hurlbut had moved in the morning with his now united 



92 Recollections with the Third Iowa, 

force, he would have compelled the enemy's retreat or 
beaten him badly if he had stood. 

When his decision not to alio\y Colonel Scott to move 
that night was known, we were ordered to stack arms 
and go to sleep. The order was sulkily given and as 
sulkily obeyed. But we went to sleep in the hope that 
an advance would take place next day. 

Instead of fulfilling our expectations, next day Gen. 
Hurlbut did two things, both of which were generally 
considered out of place. He reviewed the troops, and 
issued a proclamation to the insurgents. The review 
would have been well enough, if it had not been so near 
tlie enemy. I have no desire to comment on the pro- 
clamation more than to say that we were at a loss to 
conjecture the motives which dictated it. In it he pro- 
posed to visit every county seat in his district with an 
armed force, and there establish a committee of citizens 
of both parties, and make them responsible for the pre- 
servation of the peace in their counties. As far as we 
could learn, this proposition was not less obnoxious to 
the Union men than to the rebels. He concluded by 
offering all armed bands of the enemy five days in which 
to lay down their arms, and should they fail to do so in 
that time, he Avould convince them of the perils of pur- 
suing this irregular warftire. 

There was a printing office in town, that of the KirJcS' 
ville Democrat, a rebel sheet, whose editor had fled at 
our approach. This had been taken possession of by 
some members of the Third Iowa, who proposed issuing 
a sheet of a different character. This was fortunate for 
the General, as it afforded him means of publishing his 



Recollections with the Third Iowa, 93 

proclamation. A number of copies were sent by flag 
of truce to the insurgents ! Green doubtless chuckled 
over this, while General Hurlbut's officers and men 
gnashed their teeth with rage. Those five days were 
days of grace to Green. He believed General Hurlbut 
would not move against him till the expiration of that 
time. He employed it in completing his preparations 
to get away. Meanwhile, we lay at Kirksville doing 
nothing, the General probably waiting for his proclama- 
tion to ferment. 

The Sixteenth on their march hither, if we may be- 
lieve their own accounts, had been pretty free in the 
use of property belonging to citizens. After their 
arrival at Kirksville, a store had been broken open and 
robbed. This called forth an order from the General, 
announcing that any soldier of his command who should 
break open a private house or store for the purpose 
of robbery, should be " shot at once." There was 
doubtless a demand for an order of this kind, but we 
thought that a threat less violent would have answered 
the purpose equally well. 

On the 25th, we attended religious exercises in the 
open air, and heard an army chaplain preach for the 
first time since entering the service. The meeting took 
place in the grove where we were then bivouacked, 
behind our breastworks of brush. The sermon was 
preached by the chaplain of the Sixteenth. It seemed 
strange, indeed, to see men with weapons of death by 
their sides, mingling their voices with the aged and 
innocent, in praise to the same God. It seemed a mon- 
strous inconsistency. But nature is full of inconsis- 



94 Recollections with the Tliird loioa. 

tencies. The God that gives joy to mnocence, swallows 
up cities with earthquakes. 

As has been said, we were compelled to subsist on 
the country. Sergeant Mix was careful to impress 
nothing except from enemies. A bakery was taken 
possession of, and men detailed to run it. This fur- 
nished us with an insufficient supply of corn bread. 
The Union people of Kirksville treated us with great 
hospitality, and did all they could to promote our com- 
fort. But they could not furnish us with shoes in phice 
of those we had worn out, or with shirts in place of 
those we had left behind. These things must be taken 
from the enemy. Accordingly, an expedition, consist- 
ing of Companies I and B, of our regiment, under 
Major Stone, proceeded to the town of Lancaster, about 
thirty miles to the north, near the Iowa State line, and 
impressed from rebel citizens several wagon-loads of 
boots, shoes and the like, which were distributed among 
those who needed them most. 

General Hurlbut issued his proclamation on the 26th. 
On the 30th, Green began to retreat toward the south. 
The same morning orders were issued to the troops at 
Kirksville to be ready to move. We were ready to all 
appearance to take up the march at an early hour ; but, 
for some reason, the departure of the column was 
delayed till nearly noon. Meanwhile a rumor circu- 
lated through the ranks that Green had gone ; and, in 
our mortification and rage, we could assign but one 
reason for this delay ; we said that the General wished 
to make an outward show of courage by pursuing, but 
did not wish to overtake the enemy. There seemed to 



Recollections ivltli the Third Iowa» 95 

be an universal murmur against him. No one spoke in 
defense of him or attempted to justify his measures. 
Who woukl then have believed that under this same 
man we were destined to be led to honor and glory? 
We can not but suppose that he was either trammeled 
by his orders, or laboring like Bonaparte at Borodino, 
under some strange spell of mental lassitude. Nothing 
less could have made such a failure of him w^ho was to 
be the honored General of the Fourth Division and 
Sixteenth Army Corps. 

At 11 A. M., the column moved ; the direction was 
southeast toward the late camp of Green. The most 
unpleasant feature of the day's march was, that we had 
nothing to eat. The day was quite hot, and the roads 
dusty. The country through which we passed was not 
as thickly settled as between Macon and Kirksville, and 
it was consequently difficult for the men to procure 
w\ater. They straggled from the ranks in great num- 
bers, and ran to the wells, at every one of which would 
take place a scene of indescribable greediness and con- 
fusion. A bucket of water would be drawn, and a 
hundred men would endeavor to get their canteens into 
it. A score of hungry wolves wrangling over one car- 
cass, would scarcely be an adequate comparison. Hun- 
ger oppressed as much as thirst, and from the wells 
crowds would rush into the houses. What could be 
procured by asking, was taken. But the column was 
moving on. There was scarcely time to ask ; and, in 
many cases, the people were too much frightened to an- 
swer, or to keep track of the confusion of questions 
with Avhich they were assailed. In such cases the soldier 



96 Hecollectiofis with the Third Iowa, 

seized whatever he could see that he could eat, and hur- 
ried on. As the day wore away, these matters grew 
worse. Taking advantage of these circumstances, acts 
of unlicensed plundering took place, which would dis- 
grace troops under any circumstances. Many gave out 
and fell behind the column without the hope (and some- 
times with little expectation) of overtaking it, till it 
should halt for the night. Some of these were most 
dangerous plunderers. No longer under the control of 
their officers, and counting every citizen an enemy, they 
committed acts which they will be ashamed to remember, 
and which I have no desire to record. 

Under ordinary circumstances, the less revolting acts 
of this kind which attended this march would be deserv- 
ing of no apology. But most of them in this case were 
caused by absolute hunger. We had not had enough to eat 
since arriving at Kirksville, and now that we had begun 
a vigorous march our hunger was almost insufferable. 
Surely it is not hard then to understand that we could 
not resist taking food from hostile citizens. General 
Hurlbut used his best endeavors to correct these irregu- 
larities ; but, in consequence of a hurt he had received 
on the day of the review, he was compelled to ride in 
a buggy, and was not able to put forth much exertion. 

A march of sixteen miles brought us at dark to the 
little town of Wilsonsville, where we halted for tlie night. 
Some bread that had been baked at Kirksville and 
brought along was issued to us. There was not enough 
for supper and breakfast, but it helped us greatly. The 
quartermaster promised us fresh beef, but it was slow, 
very slow in coming. Our patience became exhausted. 



Recollections ivitli the Third loiva. 97 

In place of beef we took cliickens. The town and sur- 
rounding country were our commissariat. We sent in 
no returns. We needed no issuing clerk. Vf e drew from 
the henroosts by the tail. A strong camp guard was 
established with orders to let no one out except at the 
gate with vessels for water. But we found it very easy 
to go out, with a camp kettle for water, and to return 
with chicken soup all ready, except what could be 
done by fire and seasoning. Thus we behaved that night 
at Wilsonsville ; and though we were very quiet about 
our depredations, and limited ourselves to supplying 
our actual wants, the people pronounced us vandals. 
But they saw only the outward manifestation ; they 
knew nothing of the inward cause. 

The column moved at daylight, our regiment in ad- 
vance. A march of eighteen miles brought us to Bear 
creek, a tributary of Salt river, where we bivouacked 
in a timbered bottom. Again, as last night, we had 
nothino- in our haversacks to eat. There were but two 

o 

or three houses near, and guards were placed over them 
to prevent plundering, and we were compelled to wait 
till something was issued to us. Food came at last, in 
the shape of some fresh mutton and musty corn meal. 
We stewed the meat, made the meal into mush, and ate 
them both fresh ; for we had no salt. Many were then 
suffering from diarrhoea, and were unable to eat their 
food at all ; but went to sleep without supper hoping to 
be able to procure something they could eat at the 
houses we should pass, and so endure the march. The 
dust had filled our shoes, and there were few among us 
whose feet were not blistered. The creek on which we 
9 



98 Recollections with the Third loiva. 

were camped, like all the streams of North Missouri, 
■was muddy and full of logs. But its waters were cool 
and afforded us a bath, which, under the circumstances, 
was indeed a luxury. 

Several days previous to our departure from Kirks- 
ville, we had had rumors of Colonel Moore marching 
from Edina to join us. Some may have supposed that 
General Hurlbut was waiting for Moore to march upon 
Green from the opposite direction, and that his procla- 
mation was intended to delay the retreat of the latter, 
till this could be effected. Events were transpiring 
which tended to make this supposition probable. Scouts 
arrived during the night from Colonel Moore, with the 
information that he was marching in the direction of 
Bethel in pursuit of Green. This news was very cheer- 
ing, although we knew that Grant was twenty-five miles 
ahead of us, and that his force being mounted, we could 
not possibly overtake him. 

At eight in the morning, we resumed the march, and 
having proceeded about thirteen miles arrived at two 
in the afternoon, at Bethel, a beautiful free labor village, 
inhabited entirely by Germans. These people seemed, 
indeed, models of good citizens. Every one seemed 
comfortable and prosperous. Their town was built of 
brick, and there was no air of dilapidation about it such 
as characterizes nearly all the interior towns of the 
South. The reason was obvious — there were no negro 
huts adjacent to the comfortable residences. Vice 
accompanies indolence whether among rich or poor ; 
virtue is the companion of industry. There never was 
a better illustration of this truth than this little com- 



Reeolledions with the Third Iowa. 99 

munity. They seemed to live in perfect harmony with 
themselves and the world around them. Hitherto, they 
had taken little or no part in the war. True to the 
thinking, honest character of the German, they had sat 
unmoved, and watched the strife around them, and 
smoked their pipes and thought. We call them 
phlegmatic ; but while thus unmoved, they w^ere moved 
the most. Every feature of the struggle must be sub- 
mitted to the slow scrutiny of reason, and every motive 
which the struggle stirred within them, to the great 
magistrate. Conscience. This magistrate gave his de- 
cisions with the slowness of Justice. When he had 
answered all these questions they would be prepared to 
act. And when they began to act, the zeal of self- 
approbation would quicken them ; the *' fire of God " 
would fill them ; nothing could cause them to halt or 
falter. 

They fulfilled the Scriptures in point of obeying " the 
powers that be." Yesterday Martin Green was the 
commanding power ; to-day, it was General Hurlbut. 
Yesterday Green had passed through their town ; his 
people, they said, had treated them quite civilly. No 
wonder ; such a community should be the pride of any 
people. Brigands would scarcely have done less. Like 
sensible people, they knew it was best to submit with 
patience to evils they could not resist. Green wanted 
flour and meal ; he took all they had in their mill, and 
paid them in rebel State scrip, to which they knew it 
was useless to demur. They behaved towards his men 
with respect. It was an honest respect, but it was also 
that respect which is always inspired by power. 



100 Recollections tvitli the TJiird loiva. 

But it was plain to see wliicli party had their sym- 
pnthies. They heard of our approach some time before 
our arrival. They threw open their doors and spread 
their boards. Foot-sore, weary and weak with hunger, 
we entered their village, — they had enough to eat for all. 
They came out to meet us, — men, women and children ; 
and, in that plain, artless w^ay which tells that the heart 
speaks and does not deceive, invited us into their houses 
to eat and to rest. We halted and stacked arms. There 
■was no need of a soldier being without an invitation. 
He could not walk half way through the toAvn without 
being asked by a dozen different persons. And if any 
one should be so unfortunate as not to be noticed, he 
had but to present himself at a door- step, and what he 
wanted was known immediately. At least, he would 
not be long in divining ^vhat was wanted of him ; for 
another plate would make its appearance on the table 
as soon as there was room for it. Then there would be 
a nod or a motion to him to sit down and eat. Such was 
the applause with which they greeted us. It needed no 
display of flags or white handkerchiefs to tell us where 
their hearts were. 

We had not been nere long wdien Colonel Moore 
arrived with seven or eight hundred men, and bivouacked 
near the town. This fresh arrival did not discourage 
the good citizens, but rather increased their hospitable 
efforts. Before night every man of General Hurlbut's 
column had received a substantial dinner and supper, 
and Colonel Moore's men a supper, and many were 
likewise furnished with lodgings. This was no mock 
hospitality like that of the Slave aristocracy. There 



Recollections ivitli the Third Iowa, 101 

•was BO pride or pompousness about it, — only a smile 
of satisfaction at whatever was accepted, — an evidence 
that it was good done for its own sake. The soldier 
received the same as the officer. No one stopped to ask 
him what his rank was. It was sufficient to know that 
lie was a soldier and that he was hungry. 

I believe ^hat our behavior towards these people was 
in all respects creditable. We parted as we had met, 
friends. They taught us a lesson and gave us something 
to remember. The recollection is still in our minds ; 
the lesson still in our hearts. 

Soon after Colonel Moore's arrival a new plan of 
operations w^as determined upon. Smith and Moore 
were to pursue the enemy who had retreated toward the 
railroad in the direction of Monroe, while the General 
with our regiment, Madison's artillery, and such of the 
Sixteenth as were judged unable to further" endure the 
march, were to proceed directly south and strike the 
railroad at Shelbina. This plan of course comprehended 
the idea of abandoning the pursuit as soon as Ave should 
reach the railroad; for it was evident we should not 
overtake Green. 

In Smith and Moore General Hurlbut had yoked 
together two characters directly opposite. Smith was 
tardy and irresolute ; Moore fiery, energetic and hope- 
ful. The one would push ahead with might and main ; 
the other would drag behind. " Come," said Moore to 
Smith, that night at the hotel, " a big work is before us ; 
and we have no time to lose." Smith replied, with two or 
three whifi^s of his pipe, and Moore dragged him along, 

Eeveille sounded at an early hour. We breakfasted 



102 Hecollections ivitli the Third Iowa. 

as we liacl supped, with the good people of Bethel. 
About 8 o'clock our column moved in the direction of 
Shelbyville, county seat of Shelby county. This place, 
only five miles distant, was reached by ten o'clock, and 
•vve halted, and under the luxuriant shade trees of the 
court house square rested, while General Hurlbut got 
out another proclamation ! I need not say what the 
officers and men thought of this. If the General did not 
know, it was not their fault. 

About 2 P. M. we again moved. As we were about 
to march, we received the startling intelligence that a 
member of our regiment who had straggled ahead had 
been shot. This proved to be true. Three men had 
straggled ahead when the column halted, and when 
about three miles from Shelbyville, had been waylaid 
by citizens, and one of them shot dead, another slightly 
wounded, while the third escaped and brought back the 
report. This accident induced the precaution of throw- 
ing out skirmishers while passing tlirough the spaces of 
timber that lay across our route. This was soon aban- 
doned, it being concluded that the accident was only the 
work of malicious citizens. We passed the body of our 
unfortunate comrade as we walked along. It was a 
visible and solemn lesson to those who were not dis- 
posed to respect discipline and obey orders. It was 
put in a wagon and brought with us. We buried it 
next morning with the usual honors. 

About five o'clock a storm came up from the northwest, 
and the rain fell in torrents. This only hightened the 
boys' glee. Our gait was accelerated, and with loud 
yells and constant peals of laughter, we entered Shelbina. 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 103 

It was quite late before we could draw any rations ; and 
the occurrences of the night at Wilsonsville were repeated, 
and perhaps in a more aggravated manner. 

The next morning broke misty and lowry. But by nine 
o'clock it had cleared off, and the face of nature again 
looked cheerful. What was now the situation ? Green 
had crossed the railroad near Monroe and Avas continu- 
ing his retreat. He had a wide field before him ; but 
if all the means by which he could have crossed the 
Missouri had been seized, and a vigorous pursuit con- 
tinued, he might have been captured or his band dis- 
persed. At the same time Colonel Williams was in the 
direction of Paris, returning from an expedition which 
we will discuss in the next chapter. Nevertheless, we 
did not stay to support him ; but leaving him to the 
mercy of Green who, there was every reason to believe, 
would proceed in that direction, we got aboard two 
trains of cars and moved toward Brookfield. We had 
proceeded but two or three miles when the train in ad- 
vance was fired into by a concealed enemy. About 
thirty shots were fired; but no one was hurt. We halted 
a short time and made an unsuccessful search for them. 

When we arrived at Brookfield we found that our 
tents had been occupied in the absence of Colonel Wil- 
liams, by recruits for Colonel Morgan's regiment. We 
were admonished by the sick comrades we found here to 
give them a thorough cleansing before going into them. 
But in spite of all our efforts in this direction, we soon 
had the felicity of making the acquaintanc of that charm- 
ing little insect with whose habits and instincts every 
soldier is supposed to be familiar. 



CHAPTER VII. 

The expedition to Paris — The forces exgaged in it — Cetails 
OF the movement to that place — Conduct of Colonel Wil- 
liams AND Lieut. Col. Blair, while there — They return rapid- 
ly TO Shelhina — Green pursues and confronts them with a 

LARGE FORCE — DETAILS OF THE AFFAIR AT ShELBINA COLONEL 

Williams retreats to Hudson, where he meets General Hurl- 
but with reinforcements — The propriety of the retreat dis- 
cussed — The account of the Rebellion Record. 

While we were marching from Kirksville to Shel- 
bina, Colonel Williams received an order, it is said, 
from General Fremont, the precise nature of which I 
am not able to give. However, he collected his avail- 
able force, which consisted of the fifty well men left at 
Brookfield by Colonel Scott, as many of the sick as had 
convalesced during the subsequent two weeks, and sixty 
men of Company C, who had been watching the enemy 
in the vicinity of St. Joseph. With this force he pro- 
ceeded to Hannibal, where he Avas joined by six com- 
panies, or rather by a remnant of six companies of the 
gallant Second Kansas, decimated by losses at Spring- 
field and the sufferings of the hard campaign of the 
Southwest, and n.ow returning home by this route to 
recruit their numbers and rest. This battalion, one 
company of which was mounted, together with a com- 
pany of Missouri cavalry under Captain Dolan, increased 
his force to 630 men ; with which he returned as far as 



Recollections lo'itli the Third Iowa. 105 

Sliell^ina, where lie pa-rived at night-fall, and leaving the 
cars began an immediate night march toward Paris, the 
county seat of Monroe county, a j&ourishing inland 
toAvn, where he arrived about daybreak and bivouacked 
for the day. Learning from reliable citizens that the 
enemy was in the vicinity with 1,200 men, he threw out 
pickets in the outskirts of town, and sent out the cavalry 
to reconnoiter. The latter had an affray with the enemy, 
and lost an officer captured. 

That night both Colonel Williams and Lieut. Colonel 
Blair, were too much under the influence of liquor to be 
in a condition to command men. Colonel Williams is 
said to have behaved most ridiculously. He had his 
headquarters in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit 
Court. He told his officers that the force was in im- 
minent danger of attack, and that they must not think 
of sleeping during the night. As to himself, he was so 
worn out with fatigue and anxiety, that it would be 
absolutely necessary for him to get a little sleep in 
order to be prepared for emergencies that might arise ! 
The officers of the Third Iowa consulted together and 
decided that Colonel Williams was not in a fit condition 
to continue in command. Whereupon they reported 
this fact to Major Cloud, who informed them that Lieut. 
Col. Blair was in a like condition, and that he had 
already assumed command of the Kansas troops, and 
would assume command of the wdiole force ; on wdiich 
they mutually agreed to obey him should anything occur 
during the night. Before morning the camp was 
alarmed by the firing of the pickets, and the troops took 
position for action. Colonel Williams is said to have 



106 Uncoll'.cilons ivifJi the Tldrd Towa, 

rode around the lines and delivered a few drunken orders, 
■which were not heeded, the oflicers obeying Major Cloud. 

Wiiatever we may say in jiiHtification of Colonel Wil- 
liams' conduct on the foHowing day, we do not attempt 
to justify this night's debauch. In this, both he and 
Lieut. Col. 15hiir committed a fault for which they 
Bhouhl have bc(!n dismissed the sei'vice. It was one of 
those fa,ults which amount to a high crime. They got 
drunk in the presence of a superior enemy, and when 
they were ex])ecting him to attack the forces under 
their command. That was the crime. The situation of 
this little force at best was a dangerous one. That very 
day Creen crossed the railroad in his retreat from 
llurlbut. ^j^liat he united with the rebel force in the 
vicinity of Paris, and designed attacking Williams vhile 
in this isolated position, subsequent events place beyond 
dou])t. J lad th(5 latter remained at Paris till noon the 
following day, it is certain that Green would have 
indicted a heavy disaster upon him. 

As it was, he began to retreat early in the morning 
toward Shelbina. The promptness and rapidity of this 
movement can not be placed to his credit ; for, though 
he had reason to believe he was followed, he had no 
knowledge of the presence of (jreen. Jle arrived at 
Shelbina about 2 P. M., and learned, doubtless with 
regret, of the departure of JIm-lbut and Scott from that 
place for Brookfield the previous day. 

He had not been here half an hour when a heavy 
cloud of dust made its appearance in the direction 
whence he had come ; and soon the head of a column 
of cavalry began to emerge from the long line of timber 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 107 

which skirts the prairie of Shelbina about four miles to 
the south. This column, lengthening as it emerged, 
came stretching over the prairie, devouring, in expecta- 
tion, the little band that was waiting to receive it. 
Through this prairie runs a small brook, in the valley 
of which the enemy disappeared in column and then re- 
appeared, a formidable line of battle a mile in length, 
stretching to the north of the road and steadily ad- 
vancing ; at the same time bodies of troops began to 
appear to the south of the road, which, when deployed, 
extended so far as to reach the railroad to the east. 
The enemy now presented, with two or three slight 
intervals, a line of battle two miles in length, behind 
which could be seen, with the aid of a glass, a line of 
infantry a half mile in length drawn up as a reserve. 
Green then planted two pieces of cannon at different 
points, and sent to Colonel Williams by flag of truce a 
demand for the surrender of his force, giving him half 

an hour to decide. " Go to h 1 ! ^' is said to have 

been the laconic response of the Colonel. He then 
ordered the women and children out of the town. 

Meanwhile he had been barricading the principal 
streets with lumber and rubbish- to protect his men from 
the fire of small arms. At the expiration of the half 
hour, all eyes were strained with expectation in the 
direction of the enemy. A burst of smoke enveloped 
one of his pieces, and a nine pounder shot came screech- 
mg through the air. After several discharges with this, 
he opened with his second piece, and his extended flank 
began to advance, and close slowly toward our right 
and left. The cavalry and two light companies of the 



108 Recollections loiili ihe Tliird Iowa, 

Kansas battalion made two or three slig-ht demonstra- 
tions toward the enemy. An engine and a car filled 
with men went to the east and disturbed his flank rest- 
ing upon the railroad. He made a demonstration on 
the railroad toward the rif^^lit ; but an enn;ine with two 
cars filled with men went out and drove him ofi". 

"When the enemy first made his appearance, Colonel 
Williams telegraphed to General Hurlbut a statement 
of his condition, to which the General replied, telling 
him to hold out, and promising to reinforce him before 
night. Two hours and a half had now elapsed without 
tidings of any assistance. The enemy was advancing 
his pieces and drawing his lines so as to envelop our 
flanks, and the situation was evidently becoming critical. 
The Colonel called together his officers and asked their 
advice. They were unanimously of the opinion that it 
was best to move on the cars out of range of the enemy 
and await the promised reinforcements. But Lieut. 
Col. Blair and Major Cloud expressed their determina- 
tion to retreat with their battalion at all events. Col. 
Williams then said that if he could not induce the Kan- 
sas troops to remain, he would not remain with his own 
men. He therefore ordered a retreat. The men sjot 
hastily aboard the cars, leaving behind two or three 
baggage wagons and a small quantit}^ of camp equipage. 
The enemy, before he discovered this movement, got his 
artillery quite close behind the screen of a cornfield, 
and began to throw grape and canister. The two trains 
moved rapidly toward the west, the cavalry galloping 
along on the side opposite the enemy. When the trains 
reached Clarence, the first station west of Shelbina, and 



Recollections with the Third loiva. 109 

twelve miles distant from it, they halted. But instead 
of waiting reinforcements here, the cavalry got hastily 
aboard the flat cars, and the retreat was continued with 
ever}^ evidence that some one was greatly frightened. 
When Colonel Williams arrived at Hudson (Macon 
City), he found General Hurlbut there with about 250 
men on the way to reinforce him. General Hurlbut 
called the Colonel and his officers to account for their 
conduct on this occasion, and his personal conduct 
greatly increased the feeling against him, both among 
the officers and men. 

Col. Williams has been greatly censured on account 
of this retreat from Shelbina, and there may have been 
some disposed to attach a stigma to our regiment in 
consequence of it. At least the name of a regiment 
alwaj^s suffers more or less with that of its commanding 
officer. If the Colonel was to blame, his officers, and 
particularly Colonel Blair and Major Cloud were not 
less so ; the former for advising him to retreat ; the two 
latter for refusing to remain with him with the troops 
under their command. That he did not await General 
Hurlbut at Clarence is altogether inexplicable. In con- 
tinuing the retreat beyond that place in the manner in 
which it was done, there is every evidence of panic and 
fright. Nothing could have been lost then by waiting 
the arrival of reinforcements, or the approach of night 
or the enemy. This would have supported the con- 
fidence of the men, and given it, in the eyes of the public, 
the appearance of an orderly retreat, instead of a dis- 
graceful flight. If he had waited till night, without tho 
appearance either of reinforcements or of the enemy, it 



138 Recollections ivith the Third loiva. 

'a hospital for tlie use of our wounded. Dr. Cool, our 

assistant surgeon, and Dr. , assistant surgeon of 

the Sixteenth, were untiring in their efforts in behalf of 
the sufferers. The three wounded men left in the hands 
of the enemy were taken across the river by them, but 
procured next day by flag of truce. They reported the 
rebel loss very severe, and the captain of the ferry boat 
confirmed their statements. Other corroborative state- 
ments have since been made, and all the evidence that 
can be gathered, including the studied silence of the 
rebel ofiicial report on this point, tends to convince us 
that such was the case. 

The following is Colonel Scott's official report :. 

Head Quarters, 3d Reg. Iowa Yolunteers, 1 
Liberty, Mo., Sept. 18th, 18G1. j 

S. D. Sturgis, Brig. Gen. U. S. A. — Sir: In relation 
to an affair of yesterday which occurred near Blue Mills 
Landing, I liave the honor to report : 

Agreeably to your orders, I left Cameron at 3 o'clock, 
P. M. of the 15th instant, and through a heavy rain and 
bad roads, made but seven miles that afternoon. By a 
very active march on the 16th I reached Centerville, 
ten miles north of Libert}^, by sunset, when the firing 
of cannon was distinctly heard in the direction of Platte 
City, which was surmised to be from Colonel Smith's 
(Illinois IGth) command. Had sent a messenger to 
Col. Smith, from Haines ville, and one from Centerville, 
but got no response. On the 17th instant at 2. A. M. 
I started from Centerville for Liberty, and at daylight 
the advance guard fell in with the enemy's pickets which 



Recollections with the TJiird lotva. 139 

the J drove in and closely followed. At 7 A. M. my 
command bivouacked on the hill north of, and overlook- 
ing the toAvn. I dispatched several scouts to examine 
the position of the enemy, but could gain no definite 
information. They had passed through Liberty during 
the afternoon of the 16th to the number of about four 
thousand ; had taken the road to Blue Mills Landing, 
and were reported as having four pieces of artillery. 
At 11 A. M., heard firing in the direction of the Land- 
ing, which was reported as a conflict betv^'een the rebels 
and forces disputing their passage over the river. At 
12 M. moved the command, consisting of five hundred 
of the 3d Iowa, a squad of German artillerists and about 
twenty Home Guards, in the direction of Blue Mills 
Landing. On the route, learned that a body of our 
scouts had fallen in with the enemy's pickets and lost 
four killed and one wounded. Before starting, dis- 
patched a courier to Colonel Smith to hasten his com- 
mand. 

About two miles from Liberty the advance guard 
drove in the enemy's pickets, skirmishers closely exam- 
ined the dense growth through which our route lay, and 
at 3 P. M., discovered the enemy in force, concealed on 
both sides of the wood, and occupying the dry bed of a 
slough, left resting on the river, and right extending 
beyond our observation. He opened a heavy fire which 
drove back our skirmishers, and made simultaneous 
attacks on our front and right. These were well sus- 
tained, and he retired with loss to his position. In the 
attack on our front the artillery suffered so severely 
that our only piece, a brass six pounder, was left with- 



CHAPTER VIII. 

We break up camp at Brookfield and proceed toward 
SiiELBiNA — Junction with Smith and Moore — General Pope 

ASSUMES COMMAND HURLBUT AND WiLLIAMS PROCEED TO St. LoLIS 

IN ARREST — Pope leads a night march against Green at 
Florida — Feelings of the troops — Circumstances of that 
AFFAIR — Report of General Fremont concerning it — Wk 

RETURN to the RAILROAD AND PROCEED TO MaCON — ARRIVAL OF 

Generals Pope and Sturgis at that point — Prospects of 
active movements. 

The men who had been with Scott at Kirksville were 
not allowed as much thne to rest as they had expected. 
On the morning of September .Hth, we broke up camp 
at Brookfield, got aboard a train of cars with our bag- 
gage and effects, and moving eastAvard, arrived at Hud- 
son a little before sunset. Here we found Colonel 
Williams and his Shelbina command, the detachment 
of the Sixteenth which General Hurlbut had moved to 
reinforce him, and the Second Kansas, who had just got 
aboard a train of cars, and were about to start for their 
previous destmation, their homes. The latter told pro- 
digious stories of tlie battle of Springfield, and we looked 
upon them with the respect usually given to veterans. 

The other troops at Hudson were not yet ready to 
move ; but Colonel Scott puslied on and halted for the 
night at Clarence. It was quite dark when we reached 
that place, and we experienced not a little difliculty in 



HecoUedioJis tvitJi the Tliird loiva. 113 

getting oiir effects separated properly, and putting our- 
selves in a situation to pass the night. The greatest 
trouble was, that we had scarcely anything to eat. 
But, the town had plenty of henroosts, and our ready 
hands supplied the deficiency. There were some 
apprehensions, but no positive tidings of the enemy. 
Early in the morning, a construction train went for- 
ward with a guard of thirty men in command of a 
sergeant. 

After Colonel Williams retreated from Shelbina, the 
enemy had ventilated his rage upon the innocent rail- 
road by tearing up the track, burning culverts, and 
pulling down the wires for several miles either way 
from that place. The principal damage done was in 
the burning of the Salt river bridge, between Shelbina 
and Hunnewell. The day was spent in repairing these 
damages, and at night, the forces which had spent the 
previous night at Clarence and Macon under Hurlbut, 
Williams and Scott, formed junction with those of Smith 
and Moore, approaching from the opposite direction. 
Our regiment, again united, and under Colonel Wil- 
liams, moved forward early in the night to Hunnewell. 

Meanwhile we learned to our great joy that General 
Pope had arrived from the North Missouri Railway 
and assumed command of the forces on this road ; and 
it was rumored that he would proceed immediately 
against Green, who was encamped in the vicinity of 
Florida, a day's march to the southwest. The rumor 
was correct ; and he would have moved that night, 
if Colonel Smith had not been too long in getting back 
from Shelbina. 
10 



114 .Ti('coUedlo7)s iv'dh ihc Third Towa, 

As iiii;.';lil linvc been o,\])('('I(m1, llic opcrnl ions of tlio 
F(m1('i:iI lorccs in nortluMist Missouri, wliicli tlio last 
two tiliaplcrs li;i\c !i( Icinjjtcd to ilcscrihc, discouraf^od 
tlio Union |M'o|tl(' ;in<l (•r(';il(Ml n. i,h'\\vv\\\ ioolin'j; of dis- 
ji)i|)oinl nionl. n^ninsl. (Jciici'mI llmlhul, holli Miiioni^ 
(tili/cns Jind soldiers. IJolh IIk; (Jcnci-nl :ind Colonel 
Williams were llie followin^j^ nioinini!; iclieveil from 
their commands, and slarled lor St. Louis under 
arrest. 

Dayli.iiilit found llie wlioic. loree ass(MnI)Ie(l at Ilnnin^- 
AVell undei- l*o|)e, W'e \vaile(| anxioiislv lo see wliat 
lio would do. Jlo still hoped to suiprise (ireeu. IJut 
\\v> kiH'w that tlio spies of llu' laller miij;]it Avateli him, 
and he aee(n(lini!;I_y adopled a, laise lo deceive lliem. 
Jl(^ laid out his camp in )*eij;idar oidei-, {>s(ahlished a 
l)iM;^ado camp ij;uard, with Majoi- Stoui^ as ollieer of the 
(lay, and, as lai" as (uitward api)earanccH could show, 
made pre])aralions lo remain at lliinnewell lor souio 
iinu'. 'V\\o ruse deceived his own soldiei'S, who shook 
Iheir heads and did not like the appeai-ance (d' ihini^s at 
all. Il douhtless lil<(Mvise (h'ceivcd Ihe enemy. 

All at onc(\ a little Ixdoi'c sunset, up came an order 
to |)nt four days' rations on the "\va!i;ous ajul '^^d ready 
to unirch imme(|iately. At dusk the C(du>"U took up 
llu* uuii-ch in a, splendid manner. l<]very st(»p was 
elastic;, and every heart, was full of joy and hope. Wo 
"Were ahout. to do now what we had lon;i;ed jo do at 
Kirksvill(\ Nothing:; hut some eu^rciijious blunder on 
our ])art, or (v\ti-(Mui» watchfulness on the part of the 
enemy, would hinder success. 

Jiut (u'ueral !*<»[>«>, notwilhstamlini:; his skill ami 



HecoUecllons wllh the Tliird Iowa. 115 

cner^^y, luxd miidc one mlstiiko. lie lind taken too long 
a train. 'I'\yo djiyw' rations >void<l luivo suOiccd instead 
of four. kSlioidd he siiecced in Hiir))risin<^ tlie enemy, 
tlie fi<^lit Avould not last lon^. KSIiould tlie enemy 
retreat either befori! or Jifter a ii^^ht, it wouhl he useless 
to pursue, indess it were intended to undertake a general 
])Mrsuit. The wagons, eontinually halting, end)arrassed 
jind impeded tlie mareh. J lad the train been half as 
long, we eouhl jiave moved witli mueli moi'e rapidity 
and ease. 

After keeping tin; main i-oad two or three hours, avo 
foIh)wed by-roads oi* moved over flehls and rough 
prairies, whieh ren(h;red th(; marehing tiresome in the 
extreme. About tliree o'eloek in tbe morning we 
crossed Salt river and found ourselves in the streets 
of Florida. The diflerent battalions twisted themselves 
together in all possible confusion, and the men, heedless 
of everything, threw tlumiselves down in all manner of 
shapes to rest. 

J>ut where was (jreen? lie was eanip(Ml on a w oodcid 
bottom thi'ee miles below, and the road leading to his 
camp was on the oi)posite (east) si<le of the river. Only 
three miles off and we W(;re halting ! Was it to take 
rest before falling uj)on him V or had (ieiK'ral l*o[)0 
missed tlui way? l*robably the latter; for wo soon 
countermarehed, crossed the bridge and moved rapidly 
down tli(! river. Was the enemy ihcri;? ^fhe citizens 
fciaid, yes. An old negro, who gazed at us with 
astonisluTK^nt, said they were there last night. Soon 
"we heard the crack of muskets. They were certainly 
tliore ; for Lieut. Call was driving in their pickets. 



116 Recollections loith the Third lotva. 

It was our hour of glory. What had we to fear ? We 
were three regiments and four pieces of cannon besides 
the Home Guards, and following a brave and skillful 
leader. They were a ha.lf organized horde, armed with 
citizen's rifles and shot guns. Soon we would have 
victory for the stigmas and sufierings of the past. 
Seldom have men felt more joy. 

Suddenly we were in the enemy's camp ; but the 
enemy was not there. Our feelings experienced a 
sudden shock of disappointment. Victory, glory, — a 
moment ago almost within our possession, now lost. 
Each man felt as though he had suddenly lost a fortune. 
But this is a tame comparison ; for what is money 
compared with the reward of the soldier who par- 
ticipates in a successful battle? The enemy was gone; 
he had taken everything. Nothing was left but a 
United States baggage wagon, about ten bushels of 
unshelled corn and a broken shot gun. A few coals 
smoldered beneath the ashes of his camp-fires. Every 
thing indicated that his scouts had informed him of the 
movements against him, and that he had evacuated 
early in the night. 

Those who participated in this affair will not recall 
without a smile the report of General Fremont to 
Adjutant General Townsend concerning it. It repre- 
sented Pope as having defeated Green, capturing his 
baggage, besides recapturing that lost by our forces at 
Shelbourne (Shelbina) ; that his infantry was exhausted 
but his cavalry pursued. It is needless to say, that 
these statements were entirely without foundation. Tlie 
only cavalry the General had was a few Home Guards, 



Recollections tvifh the Tliird Iowa. 117 

armed with muskets and mounted on farm horses. It 
is true that they pursued ; but they did not overtake the 
enemy. It is also true that the infantry pursued ; that 
is, a great many small straggling parties went out in 
the direction of the enemy, levied contributions of warm 
meals upon the inhabitants, and captured animals of 
various sizes, from chickens in pin feathers up to horses. 
General Pope observed this conduct on the part of his 
men with deep regret. But he doubtless felt a little 
indulgent toward us, as every good commander will feel 
toward his men Avhen they have done something praise- 
worthy. 

His men needed rest. He accordingly posted no 
infantry guard — only kept his mounted men on the line 
of the enemy's retreat. This will account for an inci- 
dent which occurred during the afternoon, and of which 
my comrades have a vivid recollection. A party of 
rebels, probably a detachment of Green's main force, 
rode leisurely into our camp. Colonel Moore w^as the 
first to discover them, and to recognize them as enemies. 
He sprang to the nearest stack of guns, seized a musket, 
and fired at the advanced man, giving him a mortal 
wound in the breast. A number of soldiers imitated 
his example, and another man was wounded; but the 
remainder fled in amazement and consternation. To- 
ward night the column marched back to Florida and 
camped. Here, also, a number of depredations were 
committed on the property of rebel citizens. Conse- 
quently for the return march the following day, General 
Pope issued an order requiring the commandants of 
regiments to ride in the rear of their respective com- 



118 ■ Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

mands, and allow no soldier to leave the ranks except 
in case of absolute necessity ; and that Avhoever should 
break ranks to plunder should be shot. This order did 
not sound at all pleasant to some of us, but it Avas never- 
theless obeyed. The march was begun early. The day 
was cool, and three o'clock found us at Hunnewell. We 
found that the camp of our regiment had been removed 
to the Salt river bridge by the guards and men left with 
it, for the better protection of that work. We joined 
them, tired and footsore enough. 

After a fruitless chase that had promised such 
splendid results, we could not but have a feeling of dis- 
appointment. The enemy had not out-generaled us ; 
he had out-marched us. We needed cavalry. Of what 
avail was it for a man to take his household goods on 
his back and endeavor to catch a horse? We must 
have dragoons to ride down and saber to pieces the 
mounted forces. This was the universal opinion among 
us. Our campaign against Green had taught us to value 
cavalry. At this time it seemed that the whole country 
w^as ao-reeins: with us. " The man on the horse " vras 

CD O 

the rage, both in the army and out of it. The War 
Department was increasing the cavalry force to 75,000. 
We had rumors, too, that General Pope proposed to 
mount two or three regiments, including ours, and with 
them clear north Missouri of all irregular forces. The 
mere mention of it threw some of us into ecstacies. 

But this expectation was suddenly disappointed, when 
the following morning our regiment got aboard a train 
of cars with all its baggage, moved westward and camped 
at Macon City. We did not lay out a regular camp 



Recollections ivith the Tliird loiva. 119 

here. No one expected that we Avoiikl remain long. 
It seemed as though we were only waiting for further 
orders. 

The following day, September 12th, General Sturgis 
arrived from St. Louis, by way of the North Missouri 
Railroad, with four companies of the Thirty-ninth Ohio. 
General Pope also arrived from Hunnewell with the 
Sixteenth Illinois. These two brigadiers established 
their headquarters in the same hotel. It now looked 
like work. Fremont had sent two of his best generals 
to command the forces here. We had seen enough of 
Pope to have confidence in him. We knew that Sturgis 
had won laurels at Springfield. We had read unbounded 
praises of him in the St. Louis papers. His presence 
gave us great confidence in future movements. 



CHAPTER IX. 

Col. Smith with his own regiment and five companies of the 
TiiiRTY-NiNTii Ohio proceeds west to Platte river bridge, and 

COMMENCES REPAIRING IT — COL. ScOTT IS ORDERED TO CO-OPERATE 
WITH HIM AGAINST THE REBELS IN THAT VICINITY — We PROCEED TO 

Cameron by railroad, impress transportation and march to- 
ward Liberty — The first night — Second day's march- -Second 
night at Centebville — Cannonading in the distance — Our 
FEELINGS — Lieut. Call beconnoiters as far as Liberty — AVe 
move at 3 A. M. — At sunrise drive back the enemy's pickets and 
CAMP AT Liberty — No tidings from Smith — Cannonading in the 

DIRECTION of LnDEPENDENCE, AND PROBABILITIES OF AN ENGAGEMENT 
ACROSS THE RIVER — COL. ScOTT RESOLVES TO ATTACK. 



BATTLE OF BLUE MILLS LANDING. 

"VVe expected that the troops now under these two 
generals would be directed in pursuit of Green. In this 
•we were disappointed. There were now for more im- 
portant movements on foot, but of Avhich w-e could con- 
jecture nothing. Both the Sixteenth Illinois and the 
detachment of the Thirty-ninth Ohio were sent west 
under Smith. This seemed a little strange ; but in 
reality it was not at all so ; for we had already learned 
that the enemy had captured St. Joseph, and we had 
just received intelligence of the Platte river bridge 
tragedy with which the country is fjimiliar. The Twenty- 
seventh Ohio and the additional five companies of the 
Thirty-ninth Ohio arrived by way of the North Missouri 



Recollections with the Third loiva. 121 

Kailroad, and, under Sturgis, proceeded west as far as 
Utica, when leaving the raih'oad, they moved south 
toward Lexinn;ton. I have been unable to ascertam the 
orders under which these columns moved. There is a 
chaos about the loss of Lexington, out of which it is 
scarcely possible to bring any thing tangible or intelli- 
gible. It seems, however, that General Pope had con- 
trol of the movements designed to reinforce that garri- 
son from the north, and that General Sturgis was under 
his command. Be this as it may, the dispositions were 
faulty in the extreme. It seems that the Union Guards 
designed reinforcing Mulligan from the line of the Han- 
nibal and St. Joseph Railroad, and, at the same time, 
driving out the rebels from the vicinity of St. Joseph. 
Col. Smith, whom we supposed sent to effect the latter 
purpose, proceeded as far w^est as Platte river bridge, 
nine miles from St. Joseph, and commenced repairing 
it. Why he did not proceed against the enemy is inex- 
plicable. If his force was insufficient, why was our 
regiment still lying at Macon ? Above all, why were 
these movements delayed a day when Lexington was in 
such peril ? Such questions will ever recur to us when 
we remember wdiat an annoyance the operations of the 
western army received in the surrender of that garrison. 
The rebels began to retreat from the vicinity of St. 
Joseph, and what then? Why, it was now time to 
organize pursuit ! 

For this purpose, the Third Iowa was to go west 

and co-operate with Smith. On the morning of 

September loth. Colonel Scott received orders to this 

effect, and, in less than two hours those of the regiment 

11 



122 Recollections tvitJt the Third Iowa, 

•who were able to endure a forced march were aboard a 
train of cars and proceeding rapidly toward the west. 
The Colonel compelled many partially ill or convales- 
cent, who wished to join in the movement, to remain 
behind ; because he expected to perform rapid marches, 
and did not wish to be embarrassed by straggling. 

At 1 P. M. we arrived at Cameron, a station about 
forty miles east of St. Joseph, and got our effects off the 
train. Here we heard the first rumors of Price's move- 
ments, and began to have glimpses of what was before 
us. Colonel Scott's orders from General Sturgis were 
to leave the railroad at Cameron, march upon Liberty, 
act against the rebels and co-operate with Smith. The 
plan seems to have been that Smith and Scott should 
unite at Liberty, defeat the St. Joseph rebels and cap- 
ture their immense train before they could cross the 
Missouri ; and then, following them down the north 
bank of that stream, unite with Sturgis, who would then 
be able to appear before Lexington in such force as to 
raise the siege. It is easy to see wherein this plan was 
defective. It involved, first, a division of our forces in 
the presence of an enemy who was numerically our 
superior ; and, secondly, the accomplishing of two 
objects almost simultaneously when the whole force 
should have been concentrated for the accomplishment 
of the main one, the relief of Mulligan. As will be 
shown in the following pages, the faults in executing 
were not less than those in planning, and the whole 
thing was a total and disgraceful fiiilure, relieved only 
by two bright tints of glory, the heroism of Mulligan at 
Lexington and of Scott at Blue Mills. In justice to 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 123 

Colonel Smith, however, it is proper to state here, that, 
as will be seen by the St. Louis .Rejmhlican's account, 
given in the next chapter, orders to proceed to Lexing- 
ton, after cutting off Bojd and Patton, did not reach 
him at all. 

We were not long getting our baggage and effects off 
the cars. But how were we to move without trans- 
portation ? Colonel Smith had taken our wagons from 
us on a previous occasion, and still had them. Colonel 
Scott, with his characteristic energy, set himself to work 
to solve this problem. Before the men had got their 
dinners, he had put into requisition several teams be- 
longing to citizens, on which we loaded our subsistence 
and the few cooking utensils we took along. We were 
joined by a detachment of Captain Schwartz's Missouri 
Battery, fourteen men and a six pounder, under com- 
mand of a sergeant. 

At three o'clock, we began to move. It had been 
raining sloAvly since noon ; but, though the roads were 
slippery, the mud was not deep, and the wagons and 
artillery proceeded without difficulty. After a steady 
march of seven miles, we bivouacked on an open meadow. 
It continued to drizzle slowly till sunset, and finally 
the wind rose in the northwest, damp and raw, which 
rendered the night very comfortless. The common 
ration of food being found insufficient to satisfy our 
hunger. Colonel Scott humanely and wisely ordered 
extra issues to be made. 

The march was resumed at an early hour. The 
scenery through which we passed tliis day was suffi- 
ciently pleasing to repay even the toils of the tiresome 



124 Recollections ivith the TJiird lotoa, 

march. The day was clear and warm, and by noon the 
roads were quite dry. We halted for dinner and rest 
at the small town of Hainesville. As will be seen by 
Colonel Scott's official report, it was from this point 
that he sent his first messenger to Smith. [What be- 
came of these messengers ? Were they captured by the 
enemy ? Or were they too timid to go far ? To suppose 
that they were unable to find Colonel Smith would be 
preposterous.] 

After a short rest, we resumed the march, and arrived 
at Centerville at sunset. We had scarcely stacked arms, 
when we heard toward the west the firing of cannon. 
Every pulse beat quicker. There was not a man who 
did not listen with interest. Every jar seemed an 
earnest of something to come. Each seemed to tell 
of human passions broke loose, of men turned demons, 
of carnage and of death. There was to us a strange 
romance in those sounds. We rejoiced; for we knew 
that in that direction were both friends and foes. That 
the latter were there, gave us a double joy. We would 
meet them, and wipe out the unjust reproach of Shelbina. 
We would show the country, that under a brave leader, 
we were no cowards. We would make good our prom- 
ises to our friends and loved ones at home. We would 
earn the right to be called comrades of the gallant men 
who fought at Springfield. The fact that friends were 
there, gave us the assurance that we should not meet 
the enemy alone and without hope of success. 

We found Centerville almost entirely deserted. The 
inhabitants were rebels. They had heard of our ap- 
proach and fled. Nothing belonging to them, however, 



Recollections tviih the Third loiva. 125 

was disturbed except their henroosts. It requires no 
more than the teachings of ordinary experience to show 
that pilot bread and fat bacon will not support great 
fatigue. The country through which we passed sup- 
plied us in a measure with what our commissariat lacked. 
No one went beyond the bounds of reason, and the 
people were surprised that we took so little. Thus 
every man had plenty of good food ; his blood flowed 
vigorously ; and what, under other other circumstances, 
would have cost him great fatigue, he now endured with 
comparative ease. 

Colonel Scott sent another messenger to Smith, and 
Lieut. Call reconnoitered as far as Liberty. He reported 
the enemy marching through that place. This was suf- 
ficient to determine Scott. The sound of Madison's 
guns convinced him that the enemy was closely pursued. 
He was detei mined, that, if decisive results were not 
attained, it should not be through any fault of his. 

Accordingly the drums beat reveille at two o'clock. 
We breakfasted hastily, and at three the column was 
in motion. There was an inspiration in this hurried 
march which the memory loves to recall. Colonel Scott 
since said in a private letter, " My impression at this 
moment of the proudest conduct of the old Third runs 
me back to the morning of Sept. 17th, '61, driving in 
the rebel pickets, and, with the eye of an eagle and the 
tread of a wild stag, closing up that heavy march and 
advancing upon Liberty, in the expectation of meeting 
thousands of rebels at any moment." At sunrise we 
came in sight of Liberty. There were indeed enemies 
at hand, but no friends. Lieut. Call di'ove the whole 



126 Recollections ivilh the Third loioa, 

rebel pickets through the town, and Tve bivouacked on 
the hill overlooking it from the north. But where was 
Smith? Colonel Scott could not suppose that his last 
messenger had not reached him. lie accordingly waited 
with great impatience for his arrival. Nine o'clock — 
ten — twelve ; but no tidings from him. 

On the other hand, we heard the firing of cannon in 
the direction of Independence. This led us to believe 
that troops from the other side of the Missouri were 
engaging the enemy while he was attempting to cross. 
Colonel Scott seems to have been convinced on this 
point ; for it had been his understanding before leaving 
the railroad, that troops from Kansas City were to co- 
operate. There was no mistaking the sounds. Six 
di^-charges were heard, loud and distinct. Besides, 
citizens actually reported that a fight was taking place 
on the other side or the river. This left it impossible 
for Colonel Scott to doubt that such was the case. He 
was, then, governed by two considerations : First, our 
friends were engaging the enemy and needed assistance. 
To hesitate or delay could not receive too much re- 
proach. Second, if the enemy was not entirely across, 
he was divided by the river. Thus it was not only an 
absolute duty to attack at all hazards ; but, in doing 
so, it was probable that he would be able to strike a 
decisive blow. Nevertheless, it was plain to see, that 
that the undertaking involved great hazard. The lowest 
reports of the citizens placed the enemy's force at 3,000 
men, with three pieces of cannon. Universally hostile 
to us, and chagrined tliat their friends had fled before 
BO small a force, it is reasonable to suppose that they 



Recollections with the Tliird Iowa. 127 

represented his numbers less than they really were. 
But Colonel Scott accepted the hazard and determined 
to attack without delay. It was a resolution worthy 
of our old commander, and every soldier rejoiced to 
join in executing it. 

This was between the hours of one and two. Colonel 
Scott started a messenger to Smith, and ordered the 
men to fall in. In a few minutes the regiment was 
marching through the town, keeping a buo3^ant tread 
to martial notes that had never sounded so sweetly 
before. The people, mostly ladies — for there were few 
men to be seen — gathered upon the street corners and 
watched us as we passed. We were marching to attack 
their sons and brothers, and yet in our enthusiasm, we 
thought we could see a gleam of admiration in their 
eyes. We subsequently learned that we were not 
deceived. We almost fancied we heard them murmur ; 
*' Those are five thousand ; these, five hundred. Ah, how 
great the odds ! Brave men ! with what a tread they 
march forward to slaughter and defeat ! But they are 
enemies, and it must be so." 

I can imagine, too, the feelings of Colonel Scott, as 
he rode at the head of these devoted men. I believe he 
recognized in the coming hour not only duty but glory. 
There are moments in men's lives when a vigorous blow 
seems to revolutionize their destiny. The man who 
watches for these moments, who hails them in the dis- 
tance, who recognizes them when they arrive, and who 
then strikes, may almost be said to be master of his 
fortune. It is given to few men to command a force, 
acting independently against an enemy, when there is 



128 BecoUedions tvith the Third loiva, 

an opportunity to strike a decisive blow. Colonel Scott, 
then, doubtless recognized this as his hour of destiny. 
And such it was ; for though success mi slit not attend 
the bloAY, a failure to strike quickly would bring upon 
him the imputation of cowardice, and consign his name 
to irreparable disgrace. His force was small ; but to 
each man the hazard was no less, than if they were a 
hundred thousand. Besides, it was at a period of the 
war when we had not begun to fight great battles ; but 
when small successes made generals, and gave oppor- 
tunity for greater ones. It must have been an anxious 
hour to Scott. But he was equal to it, and rode on, 
cool and firm as a Roman. 

Lieut. Call with his mounted Missourians had the 
advance. They encountered the enemy's pickets about 
two miles from Liberty, drove them in and closely fol- 
lowed them. Anticipating this, his rearguard, a bat- 
talion of cavalry under Colonel Childs, ambushed 
themselves in a ravine behind a dense thicket, having 
previously picketed their horses in the rear, and awaited 
their approach. The Lieutenant and his party rode 
almost on to the muzzles of their guns, when the rebels 
discovered themselves by a simultaneous volley, which 
emptied five saddles, killing four men instantly and 
wounding a fifth. What was to be done ? The enemy 
was dismounted and posted. The Home Guards had no 
sabers, only muskets, and could not charge. It was a 
trying moment ; but they fully vindicated their courage. 
Not a man drew rein to retreat. They returned the fire, 
and only retired at the command of Lieut. Call. In this 
encounter, Capt. Cupp of the Home Guards was killed. 



RecoTledions with the Tliird loiva. 129 

Capt. Hawk was also wounded in siich a manner that 
it seemed half a miracle that it did not kill him. A ball 
struck him full on the corner of the forehead, but by 
some means glanced, and spared the gallant Captain's 
life. This affair won for Lieut. Call's Home Guards 
our highest respect; for it taught us that they were 
brave men. 

The four ghastly bodies, as we passed them, were 
visible presages of what was to come. Near the scene 
of this occurrence. Colonel Scott halted the battalion, 
and brought it to a front. He ordered us to inspect 
our ammunition, and untie the bunches in the lower par- 
tition of our boxes. He then gave the command to load, 
and rode along the line cautioning the men to be steady 
and fire low. He caused the artillery to take position 
in the center of the columa, and a company of infantry 
to be deployed forAvard as skirmishers. He ordered the 
mounted men to bring up the rear as a reserve. 

These dispositions being made, the column continued 
to advance. It will be remembered that, at this point, 
we were perhaps half way between Liberty and Blue 
Mills Landing ; two miles from either place. We were 
in a wooded bottom which continued to the river, inter- 
rupted by one or two small corn-fields. The timber was 
very dense, and the fallen trees and tangled vines ren- 
dered it almost impenetrable. It would be impossible 
for a battalion deployed in line to advance through it 
with any degree of rapidity or order. This induced 
Colonel Scott to keep the battalion marching by the 
flank in the road, and to trust to the skirmishers to 
discover the enemy in time to allow him to make dispo- 



130 Recollections with ilie Third Iowa, 

sitions to attack him. Thus, making frequent halts to 
relieve the skirmishers with fresh companies, we felt 
our slow way forward. 

That the character of the ground in a manner com- 
pelled us to advance thus, proved to be the chief mis- 
fortune of the day. We however reached a point before 
finding the enemy, that presented a fiivorable oppor- 
tunity for preventing this. The road on which we ad- 
vanced led north and south. We came to a square corn 
field lying to the left of the road and bordering upon it. 
On the south side of this field came a heavily traveled 
road from the east, entering the one on which we were 
marching at right angles. On the right of the north and 
south road and about three rods from it, ran parallel to it 
a slough several rods in width, unobstructed save by 
occasional logs, and, at this time, dry. We were now 
not more than a mile from the river. General Atchison's 
report to the contrary, notwithstanding. The enemy 
was between us and the river, if he had not crossed ; 
and being so near, it was time to begin to proceed with 
greater caution. I have always believed that the Col- 
onel's greatest mistake was in not forming line here, 
where the ground presented so favorable an opportunity, 
and advancing cautiously thus, the cannon in the road, 
and tlie skirmishers well in advance. But this is only 
tlic opinion of a soldier, given after the battle is over. 
Probably no one knew what to do tlicn better than 
Colonel Scott ; and when it was over, no one knew what 
should have been done better than he. 

As it was, the column halted and the skirmishers 
now in advance were relieved by Company B, Captain 



Recollections wifli the Third lotva, 131 

Long, wliicli was deployed forward on the left of the 
road, and by twe\ve men of Company F, under First 
Sergeant Abernethy, Avho were deployed forward on the 
right of the road in the dry slough. Company I was 
now in the lead of the battalion, next the artillery, and 
then Company F, followed by the other companies. In 
this order the column again advanced, with no signs 
of the enemy until Captain Long is said to have reported 
from the line of skirmishers that he could hear the 
enemy advancing, their officers giving commands, and 
the ground shaking with their tread. For some reason, 
the Colonel paid no heed to this report, but rode very 
coolly on, cautioning the skirmishers not to get too far 
ahead. The enemy was indeed advancing, and the 
skirmishers Avere not more than twelve rods beyond the 
head of the colum.n. 

All at once, we heard a few sharp reports, and then 
a deafening crash of musketry. It was on the right in 
front of Sergeant Abernethy' s skirmishers. They had 
unmasked the enemy and opened fire upon him, and 
with what fury he was returning it ! Brave comrades ! 
we knew that they were suffering, but we had scarcely 
time to think of them before the firing became general, 
and the enemy's balls flew thick and fast along the 
entire length of the column. The situation was disastrous 
in the extreme. It did not require a second thought 
to comprehend it. While marching to attack the enemy, 
he had ambushed us and attacked us in column. All 
that we could now do was to make the best of a despe- 
rate situation. The men moved quickly to the right 
and left without regard to their positions in ranks, con- 



132 Rccollccilom loitJi the Third loiva. 

cealed themselves as best tlicy could, and began to 
return the enemy's fire. 

Colonel Scott immediately ordered the cannon for- 
-ward. It was brought forward a short distance, got 
into position and fired two discharges of canister, wluch 
are said to have done great execution. This is doubt- 
less the case ; for the rebels were almost under its 
muzzle. But they opened upon the artillerists with 
rifles and shot guns — for they were within buckshot 
range — and in a few moments disabled several of their 
horses and killed and wounded half the squad. Soon 
after this, the Colonel is said to have given the order 
to '' fall back a little." If such an order was given, it 
was intended only for those who had got too far in ad- 
vance, and was heard by few and heeded by none. The 
enemy began to push a column past our right ; but this 
proved a disastrous attempt ; for, being exposed to the 
fire of our entire column across the slough, it was soon 
scattered and beaten back. Company I was particu- 
larly prominent in this. Colonel Scott put forth every 
effort to bring the companies into line parallel with 
that of the enemy ; but the men could not be brought 
out of the confusion, and in the noise, the commands 
could not be heard. But he himself resolutely kept the 
extreme advance, and his example was almost worth a 
battalion of reinforcements. 

Every moment matters grew worse. Out of sixteen 
commissioned oihccrs ten had fallen. The cannon was 
totally disabled. The enemy, though he had been 
checked in his charges on our front, and in his attempt 
to flank our right, had fallen back to liis cover, and his 



Recollections ivitli the Third Iowa, 133 

bullets rained as thickly as at first. We began to give 
back slowly, keeping up an unabated fire, and carrying 
ofl' our wounded. Only three w^oundcd men were left on 
the field. We, the men, evidently thought that it was 
" advisable to fall back." But we had no orders to this 
effect, — at least, none that many of us heard, though a 
dozen might have been given. We were simply repul- 
sed ; driven out of the w^oods perforce ; compelled to . 
get out of the enemy's ambuscade or stand where we 
were and be shot down to no purpose. If orders to 
retreat were not given, they should have been. The 
enemy's long line, masked in a dry ravine, extended 
around us in the shape of a crescent, and we were 
exposed to a concentrated fire from its center and both 
flanks. Under the circumstances, w^e did the bravest 
thing possible; we retired slowly, disputing the enemy's 
advance. Our caisson had got clogged between two 
trees, and, as most of its horses were shot down, and 
the enemy pressing upon it, we were compelled to aban- 
don it. But the cannon must be saved. Captain Trum- 
bull waved his sword, and called on the men around 
him to help drag it off. As many seized hold of it as 
could, including Lieut. Crosley, Sergeant Abernethy, 
and the sergeant who commanded the artillery squad. 
It was with great difficulty that it was got aw^ay, and 
three men wore shot while hold of it. 

Colonel Scott who had been in the advance during 
the fight, was still nearest the enemy in the retreat. 
Two or three times he endeavored, but without success, 
to re-form the regiment before getting out of the timber. 
These efforts sadly demonstrated the advantages accru- 



134 Recollections with the Tliird Iowa. 

ing in battle from good discipline among troops. We 
had been too little accustomed to implicit obedience of 
orders, and the tja-annical conduct of Colonel Williams 
had exerted a bad influence on us in this respect. 
Under the Colonel's direction, however, a number of 
men, mostly members of Companies E and F, rallied ; 
these to the flag, their Company's colors, presented to 
them by the ladies of Fayette county, Iowa, and now 
borne by the gallant Lakin, one of their number; those 
to their former captain, Scott, who lingered near the 
enemy, so loth was he to give up the field. They formed 
a platoon across the road and drove back the enemy's 
cavalry which attempted to charge our rear in pursuit. 

As soon as we reached the open ground, the battalion 
was again formed. It was now nearly night. The enemy 
would not attack us on open ground, and we would 
not venture to attack him again in his ambuscade. 
Accordingly Ave began to retire toward Liberty. We 
Boon met Colonel Smith's advance of mounted men. 
A brief consultation ensued, and then the march was 
resumed, and we soon reached our camp on the hill, 
where we had bivouacked in the morning. 



CHAPTER X. 

Arrival of Smith — His march from the Railroad — Why he 

ARRIVED TOO LATE — OUR FEELINGS ON HIS ARRIVAL ThE SITUATION 

THE MORNING AFTER THE BATTLE — WhAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE — • 

Smith starts for St. Joseph — Burying the dead and caring for 
THE wounded — Scott's official report — Comments on the same- 
Gallantry OF Scott AND Lakin — Official report of the enemy — 
Estimate of his force — Account in the Missouri Republican — 
Account in Pollard's First Year of the War — The necessity 

AND merits of THE BATTLE. 

Col. Smith's command arrived a little after sunset. 
He had left Platte City at eight in the morning, and had 
taken a route so circuitous that his men estimated the 
distance of the day's march at twenty-six miles ; whereas, 
it could have been accomplished in fifteen. He had left 
Platte river bridge Sunday at nine in the morning. It 
was seven miles further from that point to Liberty than 
from Cameron. He had six hours the start of Colonel 
Scott in pursuit of the rebels. He had plenty of trans- 
portation ; we had to impress ours. The roads were no 
more muddy with him than with us. It fact, they were 
not muddy to any degree ; only a little slippery, and 
by noon of the next day were completely dry. He had 
twelve companies of infantry, four pieces of cannon and 
one company of dragoons of the regular army. He had 
left three companies of the Thirty-ninth Ohio to guard 
the bridge. With this force he could not hesitate to 



136 Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

follow the enemy closely ; but at no time did lie get 
within a day's march of his main force. He took a 
circuitous route, and bore so far to the west that it has 
even been averred that he retreated from two o'clock of 
one day till eight o'clock of the next, expecting that the 
enemy was following him. It seems, however, that his 
system of scouts was so poor (if indeed he had any at 
all), that he knew nothing of the movements of the 
enemy's main body, and that the rebels' rear guard, 
Childs' battalion of three hundred cavalry, led him 
around over the country, while their infantry, artillery, 
and long wagon train of plunder were making their 
escape. In this movement, Smith displayed neither 
skill nor decision. No sufficient reason can be given 
why he did not reach Liberty as soon as we, or, at least, 
soon enough to co-operate with us. 

It is impossible to tell with what feelings we thought 
of our being compelled to fight the battle alone, and to 
suifer a defeat, which might entail disgrace, because this 
officer had been so tardy in his support. In this state 
of feeling, we clamored loudly and with curses, to be led 
back against the enemy. But Colonel Smith decided to 
defer a renewal of the attack till morning, .and his ex- 
hausted troops in the meantime took quarters in the 
court house and other buildings. 

Early in the morning, Lieut. Call and his men went 
forward to reconnoiter. The field was abandoned. The 
enemy had crossed the river and was out of our reach. 
But would we pursue to Lexington ? AYe understood 
that Price had besieged the garrison there with all his 
forces. Smith was noAV without orders ; but reason and 



Recollections tvifJi the Third Iowa. 137 

duty pointed to but one course ; to march down the 
river and support Sturgis, who was endeavoring to suc- 
cor Mulligan. Had Smith known or acted upon the 
simplest principle of defensive warfare, that forces con- 
centrate when threatened, he would not have hesitated 
at least in placing himself in communication with that 
officer. But he took precisely the opposite course. 
After spending most of the following day at Liberty, 
his men in the meantime plundering and outraging the 
citizens, he took up the march in the evening for St. 
Joseph, giving Scott an additional piece of artillery of 
Schwartz's battery, under command of a lieutenant, and 
leaving him under orders to return to Liberty as soon 
as he had made dispositions for his wounded, at the 
same time refusing him transportation to enable him to 
do so ; thus, as we were willing to believe, placing us 
between him and the enemy, while he was making his 
shameful flight. Thus, while the enemy was making an 
inroad into our territory and threatening all our detach- 
ments west of St. Louis, he divided his small force and 
commenced the occupation of the country from which a 
portion of the rebels had just retreated. The privates 
in the ranks saw the stupidity of these movements at 
the time ; and it is a striking illustration of their patri- 
otism that, under such leadership, they were not thor- 
oughly demoralized. 

Our regiment spent the day after the bottle in taking 
care of our wounded and burying our dead. Most of 
the bodies of the dead w^ere brought from the field and 
buried in the public cemetery with military honors. The 

building of the William Jewell College was converted into 
12 



138 BecoUedions ivitli the Third loiva. 

'a hospital for tlie use of our wounded. Dr. Cool, our 

assistant surgeon, and Dr. , assistant surgeon of 

the Sixteentli, were untiring in their efforts in behalf of 
the sufferers. The three wounded men left in the hands 
of the enemy were taken across the river by them, but 
procured next day by flag of truce. They reported tho 
rebel loss very severe, and the captain of the ferry boat 
confirmed their statements. Other corroborative state- 
ments have since been made, and all the evidence that 
can be gathered, including the studied silence of the 
rebel official report on this point, tends to convince us 
that such was the case. 

The following is Colonel Scott's ofScial report :. 

Head Quarters, 3d Reg. Iowa Volunteers, 1 
Liberty, Mo., Sept. 18th, 1861. j 

S. D. Sturgis, Brig. Gen. U. S. A. — Sir-. In relation 
to an affair of yesterday which occurred near Blue Mills 
Landing, I have the honor to report : 

Agreeably to your orders, I left Cameron at 3 o'clock, 
P. M. of the 15th instant, and through a heavy rain and 
bad roads, made but seven miles that afternoon. By a 
very active march on the 16th I reached Centerville, 
ten miles north of Libert^r, by sunset, when the firing 
of cannon was distinctly heard in the direction of Platte 
City, which was surmised to be from Colonel Smith's 
(Illinois 16tli) command. Had sent a messenger to 
Col. Smith, from Hainesville, and one from Centerville, 
but got no response. On tlie 17th instant at 2. A. M. 
I started from Centerville for Liberty, and at daylight 
the advance guard fell in with the enemy's pickets which 



Becoilection^ with the Tliird loiva. 139 

the J drove in and closely followed. At 7 A. M. my 
command bivouacked on the hill north of, and overlook- 
ing the toAvn. I dispatched several scouts to examine 
the position of the enemy, but could gain no definite 
information. They had passed through Liberty during 
the afternoon of the 16th to the number of about four 
thousand ; had taken the road to Blue Mills Landing, 
and were reported as having four pieces of artillery. 
At 11 A. M., heard firing in the direction of the Land- 
ing, which was reported as a conflict bctv^'een the rebels 
and forces disputing their passage over the river. At 
12 M. moved the command, consisting of five hundred 
of the 3d Iowa, a squad of German artillerists and about 
twenty Home Guards, in the direction of Blue Mills 
Landing. On the route, learned that a body of our 
scouts had fallen in with the enemy's pickets and lost 
four killed and one wounded. Before starting, dis- 
patched a courier to Colonel Smith to hasten his com- 
mand. 

About two miles from Liberty the advance guard 
drove in the enemy's pickets, skirmishers closely exam- 
ined the dense growth through which our route lay, and 
at 3 P. M., discovered the enemy in force, concealed on 
both sides of the wood, and occupying the dry bed of a 
slough, left resting on the river, and right extending 
beyond our observation. He opened a heavy fire which 
drove back our skirmishers, and made simultaneous 
attacks on our front and right. These were well sus- 
tained, and he retired with loss to his position. In the 
attack on our front the artillery suffered so severely 
that our only piece, a brass six pounder, was left with- 



140 Recollections ivitJi the Third Iowa, 

out sufficient force to man it, and I was only able to have 
it discharged twice during the action. Some of the 
gunners abandoned the piece, carrying off the matches 
and primer, and could not be found. 

The enemy kept up a heavy fire from his position — 
and our artillery useless, and many of the officers and 
men already disabled — it was deemed advisable to fall 
back, which was done slowly, returning the enemy's fire 
and completely checking pursuit. 

The six pounder w^as brought off by hand, through 
the gallantry of various officers of the Third Iowa, after 
it had been completely abandoned by the artillerists. 
The ammunition wagon becoming fastened between a 
tree and a log in such a manner that it could not be 
released without serious loss, was abandoned. The 
engagement lasted one hour, and was sustained by my 
command with an intrepidity that merits my warmest 
approbation. 

I have to regret the loss of many brave officers and 
men, who fell gallantly fighting at their posts. I refer 
to the enclosed list of killed and wounded as a part 
of this report. 

The heaviest loss was sustained by Company I, Third 
Iowa Volunteers, which lost four killed and twenty 
wounded, being one-fourth of our total loss. This com- 
pany deserves especial mention. Captain Trumbull, 
assisted by Lieut. Crosley of Company E, brought off 
the gun by hand under a heavy fire. Major Stone, 
Captains Warren, Willet and O'Niel were severely 
wounded, and also Lieutenants Hobbs, Anderson and 
Knight. The latter refused to retire from the field 



r 



Recollections ivith the Third Iowa, 141 

after being three times wounded, and remained with his 
men till the close of the engagement. Among the great 
number who deserve my thanks for their gallantry, I 
mention Sergeant James H. Lakin of Company F, Third 
Iowa, who bore the colors, and carried them through the 
fight with all the coolness of a veteran. The loss of 
the enemy can not be certainly ascertained; but from 
accounts deemed reliable, it is not less than one hundred 
and sixty, many of whom were killed. His total force 
was about four thousand four hundred. 
Your most obedient servant, 
(Signed) Joim Scott 

Lt. Col. 3d Iowa Volunteers, Comdg. 

This report was written the day after the battle, under 
very harassing circumstances, and before any written 
reports of subordinates could be received. Leaving out 
some slight inaccuracies on points which could not be 
thoroughly investigated then, it reflects very closely 
the impression of the affair most of us had at the time. 

I think it was nearly two o'clock when we moved 
from Liberty to the attack, and that the action did not 
commence before four. The manner in which he men- 
tions the officers is both truthful and just. Captain 
Trumbull and Lieutenants Knight and Crosley attracted 
the attention of all by their gallantry. Major Stone 
returned to the field as soon as his wound was dressed, 
and kept with us during the remainder of the action. 
I think the report should also have mentioned Sergeant 
Abernethy, who commanded the twelve skirmishers that 
commenced the battle, four of whom were wounded, and 



142 Recollections with the Third loioa. 

•who "Was one of the first to follow Captain Trumbull in 
dragging off the cannon. I am personally knowing to 
the fact, that the German sergeant who commanded the 
gun assisted in dragging it off. I do not believe that 
any of the published accounts of this action do justice 
to those German artillerists. They were almost recruits, 
they and their horses untrained. They were ordered to 
take the position so far in advance that they were within 
buckshot range of the enemy. The road was so narrow, 
that with their untamed and fractious horses, it was 
almost impossible to get their gun in position at all. It 
was stated by men who say they saw it, that the man 
who had the primer was shot, and staggering fell dead 
several yards in advance of the piece. Their post was 
in the road where they could not seek shelter. Here 
they stood till many of their horses and half their num- 
ber were shot down. Who could expect more, or be 
surprised if, under these circumstances, some of them 
were appalled. I only blame some of them, including 
their sergeant, for drinking whisky several times out 
of a pint bottle on their way from Liberty. 

Colonel Scott refrained from mentioning more fully 
the gallantry of the enlisted men, from a sense of deli- 
cacy in saying too much on a subject in which he might 
be supposed to be personally interested. 

When the battle was well over, and we began to dis- 
tribute, comrade to comrade, his proper meed of praise 
or blame, two names were mentioned by every tongue, 
and with an enthusiasm which amounted almost to idol- 
atry; Scott, who led his men into the figlit and iolloAved 
them out, and upon whom, riding nearest the enemy, all 



Recollections zvifh the Third loiva. 143 

eyes were turned so often with the expectation of seeing 
him fall ; anci Lakin, who bore the colors so bravely ; 
totally heedless of his own safety, but thinking only of 
duty ; keeping the flag all the while near the Colonel, 
and calling upon his comrades to stand by it. Scott's 
horse was hit several times, and several balls went 
through his clothes. Eight balls went through the flag 
in the hands of Lakin, and a ninth one struck the stafi*. 
It seemed half a miracle that, while so many fell in 
places less exposed, these two, all the while in sight of 
the enemy, escaped unhurt. 

The following is the oflScial report of the enemy : — 

Lexington, Sept. 21st, 1861. 
General Price, — Sir : In pursuance of your orders 
I left this place on the 15th inst., and proceeded 
forthwith to Liberty, Clay county, Missouri, where I 
met the State Guard on the march from the northwest, 
one reo'iment of infantry under command of Colonel 
Saunders, and one regiment of cavalry under command 
of Colonel Wilfley of the Fifth District, and one regi- 
ment of infantry under command of Colonel Jefi"Patton, 
and one battalion of cavalry under command of Colonel 
Childs of the Fourth District. I delivered your orders 
to the above commands to hasten to this point (Lex- 
ington) with as much dispatch as possible. They marched 
forthwith and reached the Missouri river about four 
o'clock in the evening, when Colonel Boyd's artillery 
and battalion and baggage were crossed to the south 
side, where he took position. Captain Kelly planting his 
artillery so as completely to command the river. The 



144 Recollections tvith the Tltird Iowa. 

crossing continued all night without interruption, every 
officer and man using his best exertions. We received 
news during the night that the enemy would be in tho 
town of Liberty, about six miles from Blue Mills Ferry, 
at an early hour the ensuing morning. We were 
crossing in three small flats, and much time was neces- 
sary to move the large train of a hundred wagons. 
Colonel Childs with his command had taken post for the 
night about two miles from Liberty on the road to the 
ferry. Here he engaged the enemy's advance or pickets, 
killing four and wounding one, with no loss on our side. 
The enemy then fled, and we heard no more of them 
until three or four o'clock, when their approach was 
announced in large force, supposed to be nine hundred 
men with one piece of artillery, a six pounder. The 
men of our command immediately formed. Colonel Jeff 
Patton leading the advance, to meet the enemy. After 
proceeding about three miles from the river, they met 
the advance guard of the enemy and the fight com- 
menced. But the Federal troops almost immediately 
fled, our men pursuing rapidly, shooting them down 
until they annihilated the rear of their army, taking one 
caisson, killing about sixty men, and wounding, it is 
said, about seventy. The Federal troops attempted 
two or three times to make a stand, but ran after de- 
livering one fire. Our men followed them like hounds 
in a Avolf chase, strewing the road with dead and wound- 
ed, until compelled to give over the chase from exhaus- 
tion, the evening being very WMrm. 

Colonel Saunders, Colonel Patton, Colonel Childs, 
Colonel Caudiff, Colonel Wilfley, Major Grease, Adju- 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 145 

tant Shack] eford, and all other officers and men so far 
as I know or could learn, behaved gallantly. 

R. D. Atchison. 

This report is doubtless a second-hand affair. Pris- 
oners since captured informed us that General Atchison 
was not in the battle at all — but on the south side of 
the river ; that the battle was fought by Colonel Saun- 
ders against his orders, for which this officer was court 
martialed, but acquitted. If we accept certain asser- 
tions known to be false, and make due allowance for 
the bombastic style of this report, and the border ruffian 
proclivities of its author, it speaks louder for us than 
anything else can. It confesses the rebel force to have 
been three regiments, two of infantry under Saunders 
and Patton, and one of cavalry under Wilfley ; and two 
battalions, one of cavalry under Childs, and one (the 
arm not given) under Boyd, and one battery under 
Kelly ; which being just recruited and with full ranks, 
could not have fallen far short of four thousand men. 

The following account of Blue Mills is from the 
St. Louis He/publican : 

" The rebel forces under Patton, numbering some 
four thousand five hundred, evacuated St. Joseph on the 
l:2lh September, and retreated in the direction of Lex- 
ington. On the succeeding Monday, an expedition 
under Lieut. Col. Scott, left Cameron on the Hannibal 
& St. Joseph Railroad with orders to co-operate with 
Col. Smith in the pursuit of the secession soldiers. 

" The column of Lieut. Col. Scott was composed of five 
hundred men of the Iowa Third Regiment, a small de- 
13 



146 Recollections with the Third loiva, 

tachment of Home Guards, and artillerists to Tvork one 
gun, making five hundred and seventy in the aggregate. 
Simultaneously with the movements of these troops 
from Cameron, Colonel Smith of the Illinois Sixteenth, 
with two companies of Colonel Groesbeck's Thirty- 
ninth Ohio and four pieces, left St. Joseph. Both 
columns were ordered to Liberty, there to effect a junc- 
tion and combine their forces. Lieut. Col. Scott, it 
appears, reached Liberty on the 17th inst., at 7 o'clock 
in the morning, and waited for the arrival of Colonel 
Smith until one o'clock in the afternoon. The latter 
not having got up, Colonel Scott sent back a messenger, 
stating that he would push forward after the enemy, 
whose camp was about five miles distant, which was 
accordingly done. Boyd and Patton with, as we stated, 
about four thousand five hundred men, were occupying 
a position in a thicket near Blue Mills Landing. The 
following statement is furnished of what transpired : 

" Our skirmishers received a galling fire and slowly 
retired to the main body, when the action became gene- 
ral. Our six pounder was brought to bear on the enemy, 
and two shots fired which proved destructive. At this 
time a heavy fire was opened upon our single gun, kill- 
ing one gunner and wounding two others. On this, 
several of the remaining gunners (Germans), abandoned 
their gun, carrying ofi" the primer and fuses, rendering 
the piece useless. The action continued for an hour, 
when the column was slowly withdrawn, bringing off 
the wounded and dragging away the gun by hand — all 
the horses having been killed or badly wounded. In 
addition to the loss of the Third Iowa, there were six 



Recollections tvith the TJiird loiva. 147 

Home Guards and one artillery man killed. Foui of 
these Home Guards were killed in a skirmish about two 
hours before the battle. Three of the missing are 
supposed to be in the hands of the enemy and the 
balance killed. 

"It seems that Colonel Smith, owing to the heavy rains 
and consequent bad roads, had been greatly delayed on 
the route, and his failure to join Lieut. Col. Scott is 
attributable to these causes. On the receipt, however, 
of Col. Scott's message, he immediately ordered his cav- 
alry and mounted men to the front, and took them 
forward at a rapid pace. On his arrival at Liberty 
after dark, he found Scott there after having been 
repulsed by overwhelming numbers of the enemy. The 
men were exhausted, and as the enemy were reported 
strongly intrenched, it was resolved to postpone an. 
attack until morning. Lieut. Col. Wilson reached Lib- 
erty with the infantry two hours after Colonel Smith. 

"Early on the follovring morning, the 18th, the com- 
bined forces moved forward ; but, on reaching Blue 
Mills Landing, found that the rebels had crossed the 
river and eluded them, the last detachment having gone 
over at two o'clock in the morning. They had been two 
davs takino^ their bacrcraDre and stores across, and with a 
ferry boat and three flats found it comparatively easy 
to take their men over, especially as the Missouri is 
quite narrow at that point. Thus Boyd, Patton, and 
their army escaped. The loss of the rebels in the en- 
gagement of the 17th is not known. But from the 
desperation with which the Iowa boys fought, it must 
have been considerable. It seems that these soldiers 



148 Recollections tmih the Tliird Iowa. 

had been somewhat chagrined at what was termed their 
flight at Shelbina, although that retreat w^as reluctant and 
under orders. They determined on the first opportunity 
to show that they were not cowards, and this feeling it 
•was, doubtless, that actuated Lieut. Col. Scott to push 
forward without waitinci; for Col. Smith's column. It 
was not of course intended that either command was 
to attack the vastly superior force of the enemy unsup- 
ported ; and in this respect the conduct of Lieut. Col. 
Scott was unauthorized, though we do net hear of any 
disposition to attach any blame to him. His object, 
seeing that the enemy was making preparations to cross 
the river, was probably to draw him out and retreat be- 
fore him in expectation of meeting a timely reinforce- 
ment from Col. Smith. It appears that Col. Smith left 
St. Joseph previous to the receipt of the full orders wdiich 
were for him, after the contemplated cutting off of Boyd 
and Patton from Lexington, to move on himself to the 
latter place. These directions reaching St. Joseph subse- 
quent to Col. Smith's departure, were sent after him by a 
mounted oflicer, who returned without having overtaken 
Col. Smith, and consequently without having delivered his 
orders. The reader, therefore, who has supposed that Col. 
Smith had moved to join Col. Mulligan, at Lexington, will 
be disappointed to learn that in his report to General 
Pope, he speaks of being about to return to St. Joseph." 
As this book is intended to be an amusement to my 
comrades, I give the version of our first battle which I 
find in a book entitled The First Year of the War, 
written by one of the most distinguished men of the 
South, Edward A. Pollard, of Richmond, author of 



Recollections willi the Third Iowa, 149 

Black Dia7no7ids, and editor of the Richmond Ex- 
aminer. I give it out of curiosity, and to illustrate 
what complete falsehood and nonsense may sometimes 
be dignified by the name of history : 

" Gen. Price was informed that four thousand men 
under Lane and Montgomery were advancing from the 
direction of St. Joseph on the north side of the Missouri 
river, and Gen. Sturgis, with fifteen hundred cavalry 
was also advancing from the Hannibal and St. Joseph 
Railroad for the purpose of relieving the forces under 
Mulligan. About twenty-five hundred Missourians un- 
der the immediate command of Colonel Saunders, were, 
at the same time hurrying to the aid of Gen. Price from 
the same direction with the Lane and Montgomery jay- 
hawks ; and having reached Blue Mills, thirty miles 
above Lexington, on the 17th of September, crossed over 
their force, except some five hundred men, in a ferry- 
boat. V/hile the remainder were waiting to cross over, 
the jayhawkers attacked the five hundred Missourians 
on the north bank of the river. The battle raged fiercely 
for one hour on the river bottom, which was heavily 
timbered and in many places covered with water. The 
Missourians were armed with only shotguns and rifles, 
and taken by surprise : no time was given them to call 
back any portion of their force on the south side of the 
river ; but they were from the counties contiguous to 
Kansas, accustomed in the border wars since 1854 to 
almost monthly fights with the Kansas jayhawkers 
under Lane, and were fired with the most intense hatred 
of him and of them. Gen. D. R. Atchison, former 
President of the United States Senate, and well known 



150 lie collections ■with the Third Iowa, 

as one of the boldest leaders of tlie State Rights party 
in Missouri, had been sent from Lexington to hasten 
them on to his camp. He was with the five hundred, 
on the north side of the river when thej were attacked, 
and by his presence and example cheered them on in 
the conflict. Charging the jayhawkers with shouts of 
almost savage ferocitv, and fighting with reckless valor, 
the Missourians drove the enemy back ten miles, the 
conflict becoming a hand to hand fight between detahced 
parties on both sides. At length, being unable to sup- 
port the fearful fire of the Missourians at the short dis- 
tance of forty yards, the enemy broke into open flight. 
The loss of the jayhawkers was very considerable. Their 
official report admitted one hundred and fifty killed and 
some two hundred wounded. The entire loss of the 
Missourians was five killed and twenty wounded. The 
intelligence of this brilliant victory of the 'five hun- 
dred' was received with shouts of acclamation by Price's 
army at Lexington." 

And now, should we approve Blue Mills ? I answer 
unhesitatingly, yes. Some have pronounced it a piece 
of unpardonable rashness. But one more glance at the 
situation ; the enemy crossing the river ; every reason 
for believing there was a diversion on the other side ; 
the absolute duty of co-operating Avith it ; the certainty 
that in this event his forces would be divided by the 
river; the almost certain nearness of support; the con- 
sciousness that to attack, though defeated by overwhelm- 
ing numbers, would be honorable, and that to fail to do 
so on any pretext would be a disgrace ; these were the 
motives which decided Scott. Who but a coward would 



Recollections with the Third loiva. 151 

have done differently ? But what is more, Scott well 
knew, as most of his officers and men afterwards confessed, 
that, after Kirksville and Shelbina, to allow this oppor- 
tunity of a battle to pass, would have thrown the regi- 
ment into a state of demoralization. But I will not 
seek further to justify an act of which scarcely a man 
complained. All felt that the battle was a necessity, 
and that the only one to blame was the hesitating, halting 
commander wdio had left us to fight it without support. 

I am not disposed to attempt criticism on the tactical 
mistakes committed on our side. It is easy to criticise 
the best dispositions when the battle is over. The mis- 
take which drew us into the enemy's ambuscade in 
column was owing as much to his skill in removing 
early his rear guard and pickets, and posting his men 
completely out of observation. As to the fault of Col. 
Scott in not sooner deploying the column and keeping 
his skirmishers farther in advance. When once there, 
the situation called forth the highest powers of a com- 
mander. All that Scott could do by word or example, 
he did. Nothing less than the conduct he displayed 
could have induced his men to bear the disaster so 
bravely. It is no exaggeration to say that his resolution, 
in making the attack, and his conduct during the action, 
won for him the devoted admiration of the regiment. 

Such was our first battle ; undertaken through a lofty 
sense of honor and a loftier sense of duty, against eight 
times our number ; beginning in mistake, sustained with 
desperation, ending in retreat ; a martyrdom to public 
opinion, and vindication of character, a victory under 
tlic name of defeat. 



CHAPTER XI. 

"We start for the railroad — Arrive at Cexterville — Ar- 
rival OF A courier from Sturgis — March to Plattsburg — 
Orders from Sturgis — Tcrx towards Kansas City — Xight at 
Smithville — March resumed towards Liberty — Sturgis re- 
treats three days from ax exemy who does xot pursue — We 

THIXK his pursuers TURN AGAINST US, AXD TURN TO THE WEST TO 

ELUDE THEM STRIKE THE MISSOURI AT PaRKVILLE, AND PREPARE 

TO CROSS OX A RICKETY FLAT-BOAT — A STEAMBOAT ARRIVES AXD 

coxvEYS US TO Leavexworth — "\Ye returx xext day to TTyax- 
DOTT — Our stay at Wyaxdott — Move to Kaxsas City — Arrival 

OF LaXES BRIGADE COMPARISOX BETWEEN LaNE AND StURGIS — • 

They quarrel about precedence in rank — Lane moves out of 
TOWN — Hospitality of the citizexs. 

On the morning of the 18th, Colonel Scott sent Lieut. 
Call, with most of his command to Cameron as an escort 
to about fifty wounded and sick conveyed in wagons. 
The following day, having succeeded in impressing an 
additional number of conveyances, he took up the march 
for the same place at 6 P. M., in pursuance of Colonel 
Smith's orders, leaving the rest of the wounded, those 
who were unable to ride in wagons, to be conveyed by 
steamboat to Fort Leavenworth, with Lieutenant Cros- 
ley in charge, and Sergeant Moe acting as hospital 
steward. 

A cool evening march brought us to Centerville, 
where we halted for the night. It rained heavily during 



Recolleciions with the Tldrd Iowa. 153 

the forepart of the night ; but most of us found shelter 
in buildings and rested well. Colonel Scott's orders 
from Smith were to take Plattsburg in his route to 
Cameron ; but as the Colonel wished to send his sick 
and wounded to the railroad with as little delay as 
possible, he chose to come out of his way with them 
as far as Centerville ; and from this point in the 
morning he sent them forward under a small escort 
of convalescents. 

While he was preparing to do this, a courier arrived 
from Sturgis, with a dispatch for Colonel Smith whom 
he had expected to find at Liberty. Not finding him 
there, he had followed, and mistaking his route, had 
overtaken Colonel Scott. His representations induced 
the latter to open the dispatch. In it, Sturgis repre- 
sented himself as being pressed by overwhelming num- 
bers and without artiller}^, and ordered Smith to come 
to his support. Scott forwarded the dispatch to Smith 
who was then flying in all haste to St. Joseph. Not 
knowing where to find Sturgis, or what the result would 
be, he did not feel authorized to turn back with his 
small force, now less than four hundred men. He ac- 
cordingly sent a dispatch to Sturgis that he would 
proceed to Plattsburg, and there await orders from 
him. 

Meanwhile, vague rumors of the arrival and character 
of this dispatch spread among the men. Here there 
was but one voice : " Let us march to join Sturgis ; let 
us not hesitate while our comrades are in peril." If any 
felt otherwise they cloaked their feelings in silence. 
We ima.gined that being under Smith's command, such 



154 Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

an order should govern us as though it came from him. 
^Ye thought that it should have been enough to be 
satisfied that had Sturgis known our situation, a similar 
order would have been sent to us, and that to move on 
the strength of this dispatch would meet his approbation. 
We thought we should not take into consideration our 
own danger, when it was our duty to relieve our com- 
rades. Nor could we believe there was much danger 
in such a movement. We thought we could march south 
upon Sturgis' line of retreat, and join him without 
interruption from the enemy. But we did not under- 
stand the situation as Colonel Scott understood it, and 
knew nothing of the nature of the dispatch ; and for 
these reasons were unable to appreciate the considera- 
tions which induced the Colonel to continue his march 
to Plattsburg. But we know now that his conduct 
throughout met the approbation of General Sturgis, 
and that there always existed between them the kindest 
relations. 

Nevertheless when we turned our faces toward the 
northwest, and our officers assured us that it was the 
design to reinforce Sturgis, we could not understand 
the manner of accomplishing this by marching directly 
away from them ; and murmurs arose in the ranks which 
nothing less than the great confidence we had in our 
colonel could have quieted. The day was cloudy and 
cool, and the roads free from dust on account of the 
previous night's rain. The balking of the artillery 
horses caused two or three short halts. Otherwise there 
were no delays. The columns moved rapidly and 
steadily. Colonel Scott knew how to march men. 



Recollections with the Third loiva. 155 

He never got tliem out of breath. About 9 P. M., we 
arrived at Plattsburg, and took quarters in a large 
college building. 

About sunrise next morning Scott received orders 
from Sturgis to march to join him at Kansas City, and, 
at eight o'clock, the column took up the march south- 
ward toward Liberty. Murmurs again rose in the ranks. 
To the enlisted men, who knew nothing of the orders 
under which Colonel Scott acted, it looked as though he 
was vacillating or pursuing unsteady counsels. The sun 
shone clear, and the roads grew dusty ; but the march 
was not slackened. When men became too lame or foot- 
sore to march, wagons were impressed to haul them. 
Usually these impressments were made for a day or for 
the trip, the owner commonly sending a driver, who 
would return with the team when we were through with 
it. We halted for dinner on a small stream, and in an 
hour resumed the march. 

About eight o'clock in the evening we crossed Platte 
river and took quarters for the night in the little town 
of Smith ville. Here Colonel Smith had bivouacked on 
the night of the 15th, the rebels he was pursuing having 
done so the night before. It was less than twenty-five 
miles to Liberty. What excuse, then, can he make for 
consuming two days in this march ? We found an 
unfinished letter which represented the rebel force as 
numbering five thousand, and stating that Smith's 
soldiers behaved very badly, outraging the citizens in 
many ways. We quartered in houses, and, it is to be 
regretted that there was some plundering done, not- 
withstanding Colonel Scott's efforts to prevent it. 



156 Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

Citizens, however, had little reason to complain of our 
presence. 

At an early hour the march was resumed in the direc- 
tion of Liberty, and pushed at a rapid pace. Toward noon 
rumor placed us in the vicinity of a large rebel force. 

Here let us pause and look at the situation. While 
the events narrated in the two last chapters w^ere 
transpiring, Price had driven Mulligan from Warrens- 
burg and besieged him at Lexington. Sturgis, with his 
column of fifteen companies, arrived before that place 
to find the enemy in possession of the boats on which 
he had expected to cross to the relief of the garrison. 
Price immediately sent Parsons across the river with a 
strong force to drive ofi" Sturgis and cover the siege. 
The latter retreated precipitately toward Liberty, where 
he expected to join Smith, abandoning to the enemy his 
tents and a part of his baggage to facilitate his flight. 
Parsons did not pursue far with his main force, but 
kept up such a demonstration as led Sturgis to believe 
he was close upon him. After securing the property 
Sturgis had thrown away. Parsons was almost immedi- 
ately recalled. But the former continued to retreat in 
haste, camping the first night at Camden, and reaching 
Liberty at four o'clock of the next. Here he dispatclied 
a messenger to Kansas City for a boat, and when this 
arrived the following forenoon, so little had his sense 
of the danger abated, that he consumed only an hour in 
moving from the town four miles to the landing, and 
in getting his men and baggage aboard. He moved 
twelve miles up the river, and landed his troops at 
Kansas City on the opposite side. 



BeeoUedions with the Third Iowa. 157 

He was thus embarking this morning, while we, 
thinking him in great peril, were hurrying forward to 
reinforce him. And now, very reliable information 
came to Colonel Scott, that the force which had pursued 
Sturgis had arrived, and camped in the fair grounds at 
Liberty. Thus he supposed his way blocked, and the 
road, on which he expected to reach the landing where 
he would embark for Kansas City, in possession of the 
enemy. There was left him but one alternative, either 
to retreat or turn to the right and evade them. He 
boldly chose the latter ; and when about ten miles from 
Liberty, we turned to the west, and at 3 P. M., reached 
the town of Parkville on the Missouri river, having 
accomplished since starting nineteen miles. 

Here the Colonel expected to find two flatboats on 
which to cross ; but he found only one, the other having 
been moved to a point up the river. He caused the 
artillery to be planted on a ridge commanding the 
approaches to the town, and left Companies F and H 
to support it, while, with the remainder of his command, 
he proceeded to the river, and prepared to cross on this. 
The rearguard in the meantime quietly commenced 
cooking their dinners. "VYe had thus waited about half 
an hour, expecting every moment the enemy, hardly 
hoping for friends, when to our great joy, a steamboat 
hove in sight, rounded the point and landed. It was the 
Majors, bound for Fort Leavenworth, and had on board 
General Sturgis. We were soon aboard, and the boat 
resumed its course up the river. 

When we awoke the following morning we found 
ourselves at Fort Leavenworth. We marched to the 



158 Recollections with the Third Ic 



oiva. 



barracks and rested till about noon, sauntering about 
the grounds, looking at the artillery, and talking with 
the regulars. This day, reports came that Mulligan had 
surrendered. We took the matter very coolly ; for it 
was Avhat we had been expecting. Still it was easy to 
see a gloom on every countenance. The citizens of 
Leavenworth were thoroughly aroused, and a thousand 
of them were drilling each day. 

Toward evening, the Majors again took us aboard and 
dropped down to the town three miles below the Fort. 
After a short while, it again moved down the river and 
landed us at Wyandott, Kansas, where we bivouacked 
on the river bank for the night. The next day w^e took 
quarters in vacant buildings. Three miles below us. Gen. 
Sturgis with his previous force occupied Kansas City. 
There also was a hospital containing some of our 
wounded comrades. A hospital was likewise estab- 
lished at Wyandott, to which a number of men were 
removed. The citizens of Liberty had manifested great 
kindness to our comrades while in their hands. Their 
generosity was really chivalrous. Though they bitterly 
hated us and our cause, they forgot for the time that 
these were enemies and invaders, but looked upon us 
only as unfortunate brave men, cast in a measure upon 
the hospitalities of their city. I have the testimony of 
Sergeant Moe, that the ladies nursed them night and 
day, and that they were fed entirely upon delicacies 
brought by them to the hospital. Their conduct in 
this respect merits our highest regard for them as a 
people, not less than our warmest gratitude. The citi- 
zens of Wyandott, though friends, and feeling that 



Recollections ivitli the Third Iowa. 159 

they could scarcely do enough, hardly succeeded in 
doing more. 

And now on the soil of a State made free by the blood 
of our brethren ; at rest and at peace after some months 
of watching and disquietude ; after some toilsome 
marches, retreats and pursuits ; and after a battle 
which, for the numbers engaged, was by no means con- 
temptible ; breathing once more the air of freedom, and 
enjoying the hospitalities of friends, we felt as though 
we had been transported to another world. 

The citizens of Liberty gave us great praise for our 
conduct at Blue Mills, and especially for our modesty(!) J 
since, sulky after our defeat, we said little. We spent 
four or five days at Wyandott, doing what soldiers 
expressively call, " lying around." But we experienced 
no ennui. It was the season of ripe fruits, and we 
spent much time in rambles through the woods and 
pleasant intercourse with citizens. But we did not 
remain here long. Towards the evening of September 
28th, news came that General Sturgis' pickets had been 
attacked beyond Kansas City. We moved without delay 
to reinforce him, and reached Kansas City at 8 o'clock 
in the evening. Finding that the General had dismissed 
apprehensions of an attack, we took quarters in vacant 
buildings. 

We remained here about three weeks, without clothing 
and tents, and with but a single blanket to the man ; 
and as the season advanced, we suffered some from 
cold. But in the midst of these discouragements, we 
had much matter for contentment. We had nothing to 
do but to feed ourselves and keep clean. The latter 



160 BecoUedions luith the Third lotva. 

was tlie most difficult task. In the former tlie hospitable 
citizens assisted us in a manner which merits our warm- 
est remembrance. We had but to carry our rations to 
them, and they entertained us free of charge at the best 
their tables afforded. We had not been here long, when 
Coloned Scott managed to procure from a bank sufficient 
money to pay the enlisted men ten dollars each. In 
the absence of our clothing this was most fortunate. I 
need not speak of the feeling such acts of kindness cre- 
ated towards him. 

But the principal event of interest which took place 
during our stay here was the arrival of Jim Lane and 
his celebrated brigade. His coming was noised before 
him, and when he was expected to arrive, all flocked to 
get a sight of the great "jayhawker," "the Father of 
Kansas." At length he appeared at the head of a part 
of his troops. The citizens said it was Lane, and we 
needed their assurance ; for he was the last man we 
would have taken for a general. He had on citizen's 
pants, a soldier's blouse, and a dilapidated white hat. 
He rolled under his dark brows a pair of piercing eyes, 
and between his jaws a huge quid of tobacco. A general 
BO unostentatious, so like his men, and yet so terrible 
to the rebels ; the boys were struck with profound 
admiration of him. 

His men seemed to partake of the character of their 
general. In such small matters as dress, every one 
seemed to consult his own taste. Few among them wore 
the prescribed uniform, and many were dressed entirely 
in citizen's clothing, who did not ask them where or how 
they obtained such articles of dress. But they enter- 



Recollections icith the TJcird loiva. 161 

tained us with enormous stories, which we were not dis- 
pleased to hear, and sold us rebel caps at ten cents 
apiece. 

In personal appearance there was as much difference 
between Lane and Sturgis, as between a wolf and a bear. 
Everybody knows how Jim Lane looks ; for everybody 
has seen either the man or his picture, or some one that 
has seen him. The eye of an eagle and the visage of a 
wolf, thin and lean ; this tells it. Gen. Sturgis, in 
respect to his personnel was precisely his opposite. 
He was thick, heavy-set and muscular. There are no 
angles in his face ; it is broad and round. His fore- 
head arching and heavy at the brows, retreats in all 
directions, and is covered with a mass of jet-black, 
wavy hair. 

There was as much difference between the character 
of the micn as between their countenances. Sturgis 
followed the army regulations and the doctrines of West 
Point. He kept the business of confiscation out of the 
hands of his soldiers, and left it, where it ought to be, in 
the hands of the Government. He protected all citizens, 
loyal and disloyal. His only line of distinction was 
drawn between those who were in arms and those who 
were not. While marching to join Lyon in the summer, 
he ordered some Kansas soldiers tied to a cannon and 
flogged for stealing chickens ! He followed law and 
forgot equity. His rules of warfare had this absurdity, 
that he treated traitors in arms and traitorous citizens 
with the giving them aid and comfort and plotting the 
assassination of his soldiers with the same consideration 
he would have shown to a rightful enemy. Nothing can 
U- 



162 Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

be more ridiculous than to suppose that a nation fighting 
its own citizens for its own existence, should pursue the 
same course of policy toward them that it would pursue 
toward an enemy with whom it was contending on a 
mere question of international policy. By pursuing this 
course, he gave aid to traitors and protected spies. 
Though he was doubtless honest in all this, it is no 
•wonder that his own soldiers denounced him as a seces- 
sionist and a friend of the enemy. I am inclined to 
think, that his retreat from Lexington deserves less cen- 
sure than it may have received ; and that it w^as owing 
chiefly to a lack of proper information, and of a proper 
system of scouts, and not to any lack of courage. 

Lane, on the other hand, recognized military rules 
only so far as they were adapted to the present situa- 
tion. He recognized the rebels as traitors, not as 
belligerents. He moreover failed to see the difference 
between the traitor whom he met in battle, and the 
one who gave him bread and powder, except that 
the former being the braver man was entitled to the 
more consideration. He had no mercy for bushwhack- 
ers, nor for men who to him w^ere for the Government, 
and to his back for the enemy. He knew no such thing 
as neutrality on the part of citizens. All were for their 
country or against it. Those who were for it must give 
and sacrifice for its support. There was no such thing 
with him as enjoying the rights and privileges of 
citizenship without supporting its obligations and facing 
its liabilities. Those who were against it, must feel or 
shun his blows. He did not halt before small obstacles ; 
or delay for decisions from Washington. When the 



Recollections ivith the Third loiva. 163 

West Point clique at Leavenworth refused liirn supplies, 
the enemy had to furnish them. He would make the 
war support itself. The traitors who were responsible 
for the contest must pay for it. Every thing must be 
done which would paralyze the enemy and strengthen 
the government. Whatever opposed the restoration of 
our Union must fall, and those who did not like it must 
stand from under. True to his friends, his country and 
Liberty ; hating bitterly and scourging without remorse, 
his friends', his country's and Liberty's foes ; such was 
Jim Lane. The doctrines he applied to the present ex- 
igencies could be reduced to the simple maxim : Crush 
the rebellion by the quickest method, and in so doing 
neglect not to punish the rebels. Whatever may be 
said of these doctrines, the soldiers of the army of the 
west believed in them w^ith a faith which was enthu- 
siastic, and without reference to previous political dis- 
tinctions. Nor did they believe less in the man him- 
self. They idolized him, as soldiers w^ill idolize only 
the general, who, they believe, will surely lead them to 
success. 

It is said that Lane and Sturgis could not agree as 
to which was entitled to the command. Of course the 
soldiers knew little about this. We only knew that, for 
a time, citizens going out of town obtained passes from 
both Generals, and, that Lane, as soon as he had drawn 
his supplies, moved away from the city like a man who 
is getting away from the cholera. 

Jemison's celebrated mounted infantry regiment, the 
7th Kansas (jayhawkers) was at this time here com- 
pleting its organization. This regiment was composed 



164 Recollections ivitJi the Third Iowa. 

of splendid men, many of whom had come from other 
States to jom it. Lieut. Colonel Anthony was provost 
marshal of the city. No one would have believed, looking 
into the youthful countenance of Major Lee, as he sat 
about the Union Hotel, that a little over a year would 
make him a general. 



CHAPTER XII. 

The troops leave Kansas City — We are not in a condition 

TO MARCH south — RUMORED REMOVAL OF THE REGIMENT TO QuiN- 

CY — Proceed by steamboat and railroad to Qiiincy — Our ar- 
rival AND situation THERE We ARE PAID AND PREPARE TO 

LEAVE — The CITIZENS GIVE A BALL IN OUR HONOR INCIDENTS OF 

THAT NIGHT — We PROCEED TO BeNTON BaRRACKS — DESCRIPTION OP 

Benton Barracks — Colonel Williams, his release, conduct 

AND re-arrest — CHANGES — OuR SANITARY CONDITION We ARE 

ORDERED TO THE NORTH MISSOURI RAILROAD — DISGRACEFUL CON- 
DUCT OF CERTAIN CAPTAINS. 

Lane and Sturgis moved to join the main army under 
Fremont in the pursuit of Price. We expected to 
accom.pany them ; but our supplies were not at hand, 
and we were not in a condition to go. It was without 
disappointment, hut with feelings of regret that we saw 
successively Lane's and Sturgis' brigades move out of 
Kansas City for the south, and Jennison's cavalry to 
Fort Leavenworth to prepare for a winter campaign on 
the frontier, and we alone remaining, w^aiting for trans- 
portation to — where ? To the Hannibal & St. Joseph 
Railroad, whence it was rumored the regiment had been 
ordered to Quincy, Illinois — for what purpose? To 
recruit and drill. It seems that some of our prominent 
officers had obtained this order by representing that wo 



166 Recollections ivith the Third lotva. 

had suffered greatly tlirongli exposure during the sum- 
mer and losses in the recent battle, and that we had 
not had that period of drill requisite to secure a reason- 
able degree of efficiency. Whatever might have been 
thought of this then, there can be but one opinion now. 
It was humoring us ; it was making children of us. 
Soldiers acquire most rapidly those qualities which the 
enemy most dreads, endurance of hardships and steadi- 
ness in danger, in the field and under his fire. This 
begging off for us, as it really was, from a work which 
others would have to do in our stead, is a matter of 
which we certainly have no reason to be proud. 

About two o'clock in the morning of October 18th, 
we were aroused by the arrival of the boat which was 
to take us away. We went aboard at daylight, and soon 
after were moving up the Missouri. About dark, we 
arrived at latan and went aboar^^ n, train of freight cars. 
Crowded together, and jostled about by the motion, we 
went to sleep avtd awoke toward morning in St. Joseph. 
Soon after sunrise the train moved over the railroad 
towards the east. We passed Platte river bridge, the 
scene of the rebel massa* e of innocent citizens ; then 
Cameron, where we had left the railroad for Blue Mills ; 
next Utica, the site of o^.v first camp in Missouri ; and 
then successively. Grand river, Chillicothe, Locust 
creek, Brush creek, Chariton river, Brookfield, Callao, 
Hudson, Clarence, Shelbina, Monroe, — places around 
which clustered many recollections. When night came, 
we jammed ourselves together and went to sleep, and 
awakening at eleven o'clock, a sky full of stars revealed 
to us the broad and placid surface of the Mississippi, 



Recollections ivith the TJiird loiva. 167 

and beyond it the glittering lights of Quincy. We 
crossed on a steam ferry. There was no noise in the 
city but our voices, and the clatter of our unequal 
steps, — no vihibie life but our own and the lighted lamps. 
After marching three-quarters of a mile, we reached 
our camp on the north side of the city. Joyfully did 
we greet the comrades we had parted with at Hudson ; 
and before morning many a social chat was had, and 
many a thrilling tale was told around our cheerful 
camp fires. 

Our camp at Quincy was delightfully situated. We 
had no pickets or patrols, only a small camp guard. 
The usual time consumed in the daily drills was three 
hours. Colonel Williams was yet under arrest ; Colonel 
Scott had obtained a leave of absence ; and Major Stone 
was left in command. Immediately after our arrival 
we drew supplies of clothing and blankets^ and appeared 
for the first time in the Federal uniform. The citizens 
of Quincy, with a patriotism which knew no distinction 
of State or place, seemed to take pride in doing us 
honor. They strove to make our stay among them 
pleasant ; and so well did they succeed that we shall 
ever look to their beautiful city as the greenest spot in 
our whole soldier-life. 

A number of furloughs were granted to the enlisted 
men, and most of the officers obtained leave of absence 
ostensibly to recruit for the regiment. I need not say 
that very few recruits were obtained in this w^ay. 

Thus we spent three weeks at Quincy ; and the mo- 
notony of camp life began to be more irksome than 
tiresome marches ; and we justly feared that by remain- 



168 RecoUectiouB with the Third loioa. 

ing here, we would become an example of effeminacy, 
and fall behind our comrades in glory. 

Our regiment having received five months' pay, and, 
in the opinion of some one in authority being sufficiently 
" recruited," we received orders to repair to Benton 
Barracks, Missouri. This was on the 7th of November. 
That night the citizens gave a grand ball in honor of 
the Third Iowa. It was an immense attraction. It 
attracted sentinels from their posts ; and at 10 P. M., 
there were not twenty men in our whole camp including 
the guard. Those who were not attracted to the ball, 
were attracted elsewhere ; and a number of little inci- 
dents occurred in Quincy that night which are not 
reportable. The author of this book has a vivid recol- 
lection of being a member of a patrol guard, commanded 
by good old Captain McCall, which saw that night one 
or two strano;e adventures. A castle on an island was 
besieged and then carried by storm. The prisoners 
were treated with a miagnanimity which would have done 
honor to Fabricias. Does any one recollect it ? It was 
a night of " riot most uncouth." Money flew, wine ran, 
and spirits rose. The temperate men were happy, the 
" bibbers " were jolly, and all of us thought we were 
having the best time in the world. Amid all this joy, 
bad as matters were with some, I claim that under the 
circumstances we behaved remarkably well. There 
are few regiments of our numbers that would not have 
behaved worse. 

The following day, we took down our tents and pre- 
pared to leave ; but something was not " ready," and 
the movement was deferred another day. Early the 



Recollections ivilJi the Third Iowa, 169 

morning of the 9th, we got our baggage aboard the 
While Cloudy and the battalion was formed. Wg were 
marched into the city and halted to hear Colonel Scott 
make a speech. In the name of his men he thanked 
the citizens of Quincy for their hospitality, and then he 
thanked his men ; all of which suited us exactly, as we 
well attested with our cheers. We then shouldered 
arms and marched to the levee, where we underwent the 
interesting ceremony of drumming a fellow out of the 
service for robbing a comrade. This likewise met our 
approbation. We then went aboard the boat, and the 
next morning were in St. Louis, A march of four 
miles in which we suffered under our heavy knapsacks 
(for we had not yet learned the nice art of " cutting 
down " our baggage) ; brought us to Benton Barracks, 
where we were assigned quarters, each company occu- 
pying a separate apartment. 

Benton Barracks, erected as a camp of instruction by 
General Fremont, and named after his venerable de- 
ceased father-in-law. Colonel Benton, is an institution 
which, from its direct association with the war in the 
West, will become historical. At some future day, the 
student may wonder what sort of a place it was where 
so many battalions were quartered and drilled. 

Benton Barracks are built on what is known as the 
Fair Grounds in the suburbs of the city, and about four 
miles from the levee. They are so unconspicuous as 
scarcely to be seen until you get within a short distance 
of them. They are composed of long rows of white- 
washed buildings, inclosing a rectangular piece of 

ground, about three hundred yards in width by one 
15 



170 Recollections tvitli the Third loiva. 

thousand in length. This ground, smooth as a floor 
and almost as level, is used for drills and parade. 
Toward the west end of it, the open space is interrupted 
by an interior row of barracks, and toward the east end, 
are the commanding general's headquarters, a two story 
building, painted white and over which floated a large 
garrison flag. On either flank of this was a smaller 
building, occupied by his staff, the whole being sur- 
rounded by a neat paling. 

Before the door of one of these offices, a large crowd 
was seen each morning between the hours of seven 
and nine. They were soldiers waiting for their passes. 
Only four men a day of each company were allowed passes. 
Their names were sent by the 1st sergeant of companies to 
the sergeant major of the regiment, and through him to 
the Assistant Adjutant General, whose clerk at this hour 
made out and issued the passes to the m^en in person. 

The barracks in which the soldiers were quartered 
were low, windovdess, and ill- ventilated. On either 
side and at the ends of each apartment were three rows 
of berths on which the soldiers slept on straw, generally 
in ticks. To the rear of this row of buildings were 
hydrants fed by the reservoir which supplies the city. 
In the rear of the barracks proper, were sheds, the first 
roAV of which served as dining rooms, the second as 
kitchens. Here for the first time we cooked and ate by 
the company. Our cooking was done upon brick fur- 
naces with an iron cover. Our simple camp utensils, 
sheet iron kettles and mess pans served as cooking 
vessels here as in camp. With such utensils, with 
inexperienced cooks, and with gangs of cold soldiers 



Recollections luiih the Third Iowa, 171 

crowding continually over the furnaces, it may be sup- 
posed that our food was not always prepared in the 
most desirable manner. 

From reveille till retreat there was a constant hubbub 
pervading this little city, and the interior square pre- 
sented a scene of splendid confusion. The noises of 
bugles, drums, and voices commanding ; infantry, cav- 
alry and artillery, drilling by the multitude, and going 
through their various evolutions as they could best 
divide the ground among themselves. When our regi- 
ment marched into the barracks for the first time, the 
whole force, infantry, cavalry and artillery, was march- 
ing in review before Generals Curtis and Strong. It was 
a splendid sight, so many men, all in the same uniform, 
and so neatly aligned, moving with such unity and pre- 
cision. In the programme of duties, inspection and 
review were the order for Sundays. 

The most exciting feature of the exercises was the 
occasional mimic battles, fought generally by one regi- 
ment against another ; sometimes infantry against in- 
fantry and sometimes against cavalry. In one of these 
in which our regiment was engaged, Private McMannus 
of Company A, was shot dead. The cause of the ac- 
cident could never be found out. It was probably done 
by some one using a ball cartridge instead of a blank. 
I believe that after this accident no more mimic battles 
were allowed. 

Such was Benton Barracks. Without, the pomp of 
marching battalions, and galloping squadrons and bat- 
teries ; within, the discomfort of men, poorly fed, poorly 
lodged, and jostled against each other continually in 



172 Recollections ivith the Tliird loiva. 

darkness and foul air. Pomp without and misery 
within ; such is the world everywhere. 

While we were at Benton Barracks, Colonel Wil- 
liams was released from arrest. The charges which 
had been preferred against him had been mislaid, and 
when his case came up for trial, he was released, be- 
cause nothing appeared against him. Immediately on 
assuming command, he arrested a number of officers, his 
personal enemies, without the knowledge of the com- 
mandant of the post. As soon as these facts became 
known to General Strong, the officers were released, 
and Colonel Williams was ordered to report in person 
to General Halleck. The General informed him that 
he was under arrest. When this news reached the 
regiment, the exultation was very great. 

General Sherman succeeded General Strong in the 
command of the post. The regulations made by General 
Curtis, the first commander, were continued. Besides 
the usual fatigue and police duty, we were com.pelled to 
drill seven hours a day. As the season advanced, while 
our duties grew no less, the inconveniences of the situ- 
ation increased. Troops continued to arrive. Two 
companies were compelled to occupy a barracks built 
for one. Among the arrivals was the gallant Seventh 
Iowa, or what remained of it after its glorious day of 
Belmont. Cheer upon cheer greeted them as they 
marched in, and the shout was caught up and borne to 
the farthest end of the grounds. The Second Iowa was 
also here recruiting from the effects of its sojourn in the 
sickly swamps of Bird's Point. They were the best 
drilled troops in the camp. 



Recollections luitli the TJnrd loiua. 173 

It is doubtful whether their change from Bird's Point 
to Benton Barracks had been for the better. I do not 
think our own regiment would have suffered more in 
small detachments on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Rail- 
road, or moving constantly with good tents during the 
same season. 

Very few were free from colds and coughs, and 
diseases of the throat and lungs took down a great 
many. When our regiment left Benton Barracks it was 
as much reduced by disease as it had been at any pre- 
vious time since leaving Chillicothe. Company F, more 
fortunate than the rest, had been most of the time 
at the St. Louis Arsenal, where they had excellent 
quarters, liberal rations, and as much liberty as they 
wanted. 

It was now Christmas. We had had three months 
of drill, discipline, and rest from the fatigues of the 
active campaign. Although we were loth to acknow- 
ledge it, many other regiments had been far less favored 
in this respect than we. We were heartily tired of this 
kind of life, and rejoiced at the opportunity of getting 
away. 

Irregular bands of rebels, acting under the orders 
of General Price, had torn up the North Missouri Bail- 
road and rendered necessary the presence of troops in 
that vicinity. The Third Iowa was ordered there. A 
number of captains of companies without the knowledge 
of Colonel Scott, united in a statement to General Sher- 
man of the bad health of the command, and other 
circumstances which rendered it unfit to go. Such a 
statement, even if it had been forwarded through the 



174 Recollections ivith the Third Iowa. 

proper channels would liave been reprehensible. To 
plead disability, to shrink from duty, to ask to be kept 
in a bandbox and nursed, argued on the part of these 
officers a great lack of soldierly qualities. It had a 
tendency to disgrace our regiment in the eyes of the 
commanding General, and received from him the prompt 
rebuke it deserved. He reported the shameful proceed- 
ing to Colonel Scott, who gave the captains a severe 
reprimand privately at his headquarters. 



I 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Preparations — We move north by railroad — Details of 
THE RIDE — March from the railroad — Night on the frozen 
GROUND — Feelings and conduct of the soldiers toward the 
citizens — Night at Martinsburg — March to Mexico — Charac- 
ter OF the citizens —Cad conduct of certain of the men — What 
THE Major "did about it" — His speech — Its effect — An excess 
OF quinine and lack of bread — Return march to Martinsburg— 
The New Year — March to Wellsville— Sickness — Conduct and 
character of Sdrgeon Edwards — Foraging and plundering — 
Movement of troops to the front — Anxiety to go with them — 
Fort Donelson — Discontent at being left in the rear — Trial 
and release of Col. Williams — He assumes command and begins 
reform — Marching orders. 

General Sherman issued an order tliat Christmas 
should be observed in all respects as the Sabbath. 
But the Third Iowa could not comply with it. It was 
with us a day of preparation, tumult and glee. We ex- 
pected to move that day. The order had been read at 
dress parade the previous night, that Ave would be ready 
to move at a moment's notice with forty rounds of am- 
munition. But we were delayed on account of trans- 
portation which had not been issued to us. Those who 
were unable to march on account of sickness were left 
in the barracks we had occupied under charge of our 
assistant surgeon, Dr. Cool. 

At 7 A. M. on the 26th, our regiment marched to 
the railroad depot. Major Stone was in command 

175 



176 Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

Col. Scott having been detailed on a military commis- 
sion. We waited in the cold till about noon for our 
baggage wagons to be brought up and loaded on the 
train. We had no rations in our haversacks ; for when 
we left the barracks we had nothing to cook. Finally, 
to the great joy of all, the train moved out, and three 
o'clock in the afternoon found us opposite St. Charles. 
After many delays, seasoned with jokes, curses and cries 
of " bready" we succeeded in getting across the Mis- 
souri and aboard another train of cars and off. It was 
worthy of note, that for the first time but one in our 
experience as military railroaders, we were transported 
in passenger cars. For the consolation of the inner 
man, we drew from our quartermaster fifteen loaves of 
bread to the company, but no " small fishes." With 
these we appeased our stomachs, outraged by famine 
since Christmas noon. At length night came, and we 
could no longer enjoy looking at the scenery through 
which we were passing : so we hitched ourselves to- 
gether as best we could (for the cars were crowded to 
their utmost capacity), and went to sleep. Whenever 
we awoke, until late in the morning, we could feel the 
unsteady motion of the carriages. Morn broke upon 
us at Warrenton. It was not a little amusing to view 
the scene which daylight ushered in. Some were sleep- 
ing on the seats, some between the seats, some in the' 
aisles ; lying on top of each other for pilloAvs ; horizontal, 
inclined and vertical ; sometimes the head highest, 
sometimes the heels. Loud were the barkings of incipient 
consumptives ; hoarse the groans of those whose hunger 
was not yet appeased, and dire the vengeance denounced 



Recollections ivith the Third loioa. 177 

against the bridge-burners who had put us to all this 
hardship. 

The scenery through which we passed was lovely, 
even in the gray shroud of winter. 

At 10 A. M. we arrived at Florence, and had scarcely 
finished our breakfasts, when six companies, R, E, F, 
H, I and K, were ordered to get ready to march. The 
remaining four companies were left to guard the place, 
considered an important one ; for it was the farthest 
point northward from St. Charles to which the cars 
could run, the track being injured and the wires cut 
beyond it. 

We, the battalion that marched, were joined by a 
company of Gerraan cavalry of the 1st Regiment Mis- 
souri Reserve Corps, and immediately moved toward the 
w^est. A march of three miles brought us to the town 
of Danville, from which a small column of Union troops, 
commanded by Brig. Gen. Henderson of the State Militia, 
had marched an hour previous. We followed him, but 
by a shorter and less traveled road. The snow which 
had fallen some days previous, was not yet melted away 
in the timber, through which, most of the way, our road 
led us. Night found us marching on. The sky was 
clear and the stars sparkled brilliantly above us. The 
keen air quickly congealed the running snow, and 
rendered the hills so slippery that it was not without 
much difficulty and danger that the wagons could follow 
us. 

We camped for the night on a meadow, bordering on 
a small stream of excellent water and surrounded on all 
sides by timber. It was ten o'clock before the wagons 



178 Recollections with the TJiird Iowa. 

got up, and we then discovered that our quartermaster 
liad no bread for us. By some means the supply which 
had been furnished for us had been left behind. The 
Q^uartermaster of course had to shoulder the blame. We 
cooked a scanty supply of bacon, rice and coffee, and 
slept in battle line away from our camp-fires, fearing a 
surprise. Our bed was the frozen ground; our tents the 
sky. Our thin woolen blankets furnished little pro- 
tection against the keen air. We lay on our backs, and, 
if our heads were not smothered in our blankets, watched 
the stars, but doubtless with diiferent emotions from 
those of the devout old Chaldean shepherds ; and when 
we slept, we dreamed of — Heaven knows what. Some 
were at Valley Forge ; one retreated all night from 
Moscow; and many fled to their warm firesides at 
home. 

As morning streaked the east, we shook the stupor 
of our cold slumber from our limbs, and tried to dispel 
the gloom from our minds. Some of us had actually 
been sleeping on four inches of snow. Our breakfast, 
the same fare as our previous supper, afforded us little 
cheer. At half past seven o'clock we were again on the 
move. We marched slowly, doubtless, in order that 
our bread wagons which were coming could overtake us. 
In this we were disappointed. 

We camped on a beautifid meadow, having made but 
nine miles. The Major had some hogs killed for our 
benefit ; but this was not the only kind of fresh meat 
seen in our camp that night. The feeling in our ranks 
toward the citizens of this section was one of extreme 
bitterness. We believed that they were guilt}^, at least 



Recollediojis luitJi the Third Iowa. 179 

in part, of the depredations which had rendered our 
presence among them necessary. To take up arms 
against us ; to hide in the brush and shoot doAvn our 
stragglers ; to crawl up under cover of night and assas- 
sinate our pickets ; to prowl about the country in guer- 
rilla bands, and attack our small detachments ; to burn 
railroad bridges and cut telegraph wires ; to act as spies 
for the enemy ; to give him shelter, food and cheer ; and 
then, if captured in arms, to claim the rights of a pris- 
oner of war; if without arms, to claim protection as a 
non-combatant, or, what is still worse, as a Union man ; 
such we knew from experience to be the character of a 
large portion of the disloyal citizens of Missouri. 

A soldier admires open enemies if they are brave. 
There is nothing that he despises as he despises such 
enemies as these." Hang them if they act as spies or 
bridgeburners. Subsist our armies upon them. Con- 
fiscate their property and put it to the use of war. A 
war waged against such traitors ought to support itself. 
Give us such a leader as Jim Lane. Nothing short of 
his policy would do. We never would end the w^ar 
until we showed traitors that w^e considered treason a 
crime." Such sentiments were canvassed freely in our 
ranks and found no contradictors. But we were only 
soldiers. We could not shape the policy of the Govern- 
ment in reference to the traitors. We were to execute 
the will of the commanding general. We could not take 
a chicken from the premises of an enemy in arms, with- 
out violating orders from our superiors. It is a correct 
maxim, that soldiers should not plunder. It is likewise 
a correct maxim that an army should not suffer from 



180 Recollections ivitli the lliird loiva. 

hunger while marching through the country of men who 
by acts of treason have forfeited all right to the protec- 
tion of the Government. We reasoned that the com- 
manding general should authorize impressments of food 
for our use when we needed it as we did then. At all 
events we ought not to suffer from hunger, and if food 
could not be obtained properly, it must at least he ob- 
tained. Such was the reasoning which prompted the 
little nocturnal expeditions which went out from our 
camp, in spite of the active measures of the Major to 
prevent them, and which resulted in supplying some of 
the necessities w^e lacked. 

The following day, December 29th, was clear and 
beautiful. We waited for the rear wagons till about 
noon; but they did not arrive and we took up the 
march. The ground thawed, and before night, the mud 
was deep and the march difficult. We camped for the 
night on a broad prairie near Martinsburg Station on 
the North Missouri Railroad. We obtained water by 
cutting holes through the ice of a pond which rests 
against the railway embankment and supplies a tank. 
The ice was about three inches thick. Most of us 
pitched tents and pulled grass and made beds. About 
7 P. M. we were rejoiced at the appearance of the long 
expected bread wagons. 

December 30th broke soft and balmy, the wind blow- 
ins: from the south. At ten o'clock we heard dull 
sounds upon the wind as of a distant conflict of arms. 
It was not imagination. Every one heard them, and we 
were all curiosity to know their meaning. Soon after, 
a number of scouts arrived from Mexico with orders to 



Recollections with the Third loum. 181 

Major Stone to hurry on to that phice. They at the 
same time brought reports of an engagement in that 
vicinity. We moved without dehay. The column kept 
the railroad track till within about three miles of Mexico, 
when it took a wagon road to the left. The mud was 
deep, and wagons several times stalled and men had to 
be detailed to lift them out. These accidents caused 
temporary delays, so that we did not reach Mexico till 
9 P. M. We found here a force under Brig. Gen. Scho- 
field, of the State troops. Gen. Henderson had just left 
in pursuit of the enemy. Of the cause of the firing we 
had heard, we could learn nothing. It might have been 
a skirmish. It was more likely a detachment discharg- 
ing their pieces to get the loads out of them. 

Our battalion was quartered in a large vacant build- 
ing. We found the inhabitants of the place intensely 
disloyal. A newspaper had just been issued at the 
printing office, one side of which was belabored over 
with treasonable articles and extracts. This being com- 
pleted, the editor had fled on the approach of the Union 
troops, leaving the typos to complete the paper, which 
they did, accommodating the other side to the views of 
the new comers. Their unionism was sickeningly sub- 
missive. 

During the night and the following morning, a num- 
ber of excesses were committed by members of our regi- 
ment, among which was breaking into a liquor shop 
owned by a secessionist, and emptying seven barrels of 
that delectable article into a ditch. 

This affair being committed in the presence of a large 
number of citizens, greatly and justly incensed the Ma- 



182 Recollections tuifh the Third Iowa. 

jor, who called out the battalion, had roll-call in all the 
companies ; when he mounted a box, and made a speech, 
in which he denounced such conduct, accusing us of 
having prostituted ourselves " and disgraced our State," 
and reproving us in unpleasant terms for having railed 
at our surgeon for giving us too much quinine, and 
at our quartermaster for giving us too little bread. 
He did not fail, however, to compliment us as having 
*' stood before the enemy where fire and earthquake led 
the charge." After sundry similar compliments, denun- 
ciations and threats, he dismissed us, and allowed us to 
go to our quarters. Whatever apparent reason there 
might have been for this performance, it totally failed 
in producing a good effect upon the regiment. The men 
went away with the opinion that to make a boisterous 
speech in the streets of a public town, and to humiliate 
his men in the face of their enemies, did not become a 
military chieftain. Those who had not been guilty of 
any offenses felt the wrong most keenly. 

It is true that whenever a halt had been ordered on 
the march hither, our quartermaster had been assailed 
with cries of " bread," our surgeon with cries of " qui- 
nine." In this respect we were undoubtedly " demor- 
alized." But were these men abusing their superiors 
without a cause, or were they replying to abuse ? The 
quartermaster furnished transportation for vinegar, 
beans and two negro servants, articles which are of no 
use to any army on the march, and the surgeon hauled 
his own private effects in the ambulances, while men 
marched in the ranks carr^'ing heavy knapsacks and 
shaking with the ague. It is better to suffer abuse 



Recollections ivilh the Third loiva. 183 

than to be insubordinate ; but men do not always 
properly appreciate this doctrine ; and to correct 
his conduct belongs first to his ofiicer, then to the 
soldier. 

At 4 P. M. General Schofield placed himself at the 
head of our battalion, and we moved back in the direc- 
tion whence we had come. The troops took the railroad 
track. For the first three miles our route lay through 
timber, and then we reached a level stretch of prairie 
ten or twelve miles wide, the rank, dry grass afi'ording 
. an opportunity of setting a prairie fire, such as we had 
so often seen on our own prairies of Iowa. It was a 
temptation which we could not resist. Before eight 
o'clock the whole vault of night was illuminated. 
Lines of flame extended as far as the gaze could reach, 
sending up immense columns of red smoke. The clouds 
blazed like a sea of fire, and shed upon us a strange red 
light, which made our march almost as plain as day. 
We moved at a rapid rate, making but one or two short 
halts, and these in consequence of the wagons sticking 
in the mud. No one gave out ; there w^as no straggling. 
Only a few sick men got aboard the wagons. General 
Schofield was surprised at the endurance of the men. 
He asked Major Stone if his men generally marched as 
well ; and when the Major told him they did, he compli- 
mented them highly. 

At 10 P. M. we reached Martinsburg, a distance of 
thirteen miles from Mexico, where we halted to pass the 
remainder of the night. We got our baggage unloaded, 
made our beds on the wet ground, covered ourselves 
with blankets and tents and tried to sleep. But the 



184 Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

wind shifted to the northwest, and blew so hard that all 
our covering availed us little. 

The New Year dawned with a sky overcast with 
gloomy clouds and with a boisterous northwest wind. 
The world without us corresponded exactl}^ Vvith the 
world within us. All was gloom. A few New Year's 
greetings were exchanged, and many fond thoughts 
went back to the happy firesides we had exchanged for 
the cheerless camp fires, the days of hunger and fatigue, 
the weary marches ajid watches, and the fearful chances 
of war. 

In the middle of the day we moved five miles fur- 
ther to Wellsville, where General Schofield established 
his headquarters. 

We took quarters in the vacant buildings and the 
first night slept on the cold floors, as crowded as though 
we had been in cattle cars on the Hannibal & St. Joseph 
Railroad. That night, or rather the next morning at 
two o'clock, three companies of our regiment, and one 
of the cavalry, went ten or twelve miles into the country 
expecting to surprise a company of guerrillas, but did 
not find them. 

Our quarters were crowded and inadequate ; but we 
accommodated ourselves to them cheerfully. The ex- 
posures of the past week had reduced many to the sick 
list. Surgeon Edwards treated our sick outrageously. 
I firmly believe that more than one good soldier died 
for no other reason than his neglect. Those in his 
hospital he left without food and proper nursing for 
twenty-four hours at a time. He absolutely refused 
to hear the complaints of twenty men reported on one 



Recollections with the Third Iowa, 185 

sick list, declaring that tliey were malingerers, tliat it 
was impossible for such a number to be sick. Two or 
three of these men were coughing blood; others had 
raii'ino; fevers. 

It affords me especial pleasure to do this man justice. 
He was one of the most learned and skillful physicians 
of our State. His physical endurance, and capability 
of long exertion was such as few men possess ; and yet, 
save when in some particular freak of good humor, he 
seemed to give his attentions most grudgingly, and to 
take a fiendish delight in abusing sick men of which we 
can scarcely believe human nature capable. If he sur- 
vives this war it will be to receive the heartfelt execra- 
tions of those of my comrades who survive it. 

For some time this part of our regiment remained 
in statu quo at Wellsville. The other battalion of it 
still remained at Florence under Captain Herron. The 
monott)ny of our situation at Wellsville was relieved 
by bringing in from the surrounding country various 
classes of persons as prisoners : sympathizers, bridge- 
burners, bushwhackers, blatant traitors and members 
of Price's old State Guard. Whatever excesses we may 
have committed with or without excuse upon citizen 
enemies, when they were in our power, we treated them 
with the respect due to prisoners of war. At one time 
our guard house contained upwards of twenty prisoners, 
citizens and soldiers. They were disposed of in various 
ways. Some were sent to St. Louis for trial. Some 
were transferred to Alton. Most were released on 
giving bonds to the United States. 
For the first time since being in Missouri, we subsisted 
16 



186 Recollections wiili the Third loiva. 

our animals entirely upon forage taken from disloyal 
citizens. For this purpose, foraging parties went out 
nearly every day. Notwithstanding the stringent orders 
under which their commanders were placed, they were 
generally the occasion for carrying off whatever the 
soldier could find that would suit his appetite better 
than bacon and pilot bread. I never heard, however, 
of any outrages being committed in houses, the opera- 
tions being seldom extended beyond the poultry yard, 
pig sty and potato bin. 

On the 23d of January, all of our regiment was 
moved west, and distributed along the railroad at four 
different places ; Mexico, Allen, Sturgis and Huntsville. 
Everything now went well. Our quarters, surround- 
ings and duties were most pleasant. \{q were in the 
midst of civilization and social cheer. The Union had 
many friends in Missouri, and they entertained us 
generously. We were again seeing the halcyon days 
of a soldier's life ; but we did not know it. We wanted 
glory. When Grant moved up the Tennessee w^e wanted 
to be with him. Many troops went from Missouri to 
reinforce him ; but we were left behind. Fort Henry 
was taken, and we were not there. But the land forces 
had won no laurels in that operation. We hoped that 
we might be sent to take part in the reduction of Fort 
Donelson. But no. Train after train went past us 
loaded with troops from General Hunter's department, 
all going to reinforce Grant; but still we were left be- 
hind. Curtis was moving; Grant was moving; Buell 
was moving; McClellan was moving; Burnside was 
moving. The army was advancing at all points, and 



BecGlledions tcith the Third lotva. 187 

we were left behind, guarding railroads and keeping 
down guerrillas. At length Fort Donelson fell. A 
thrill of joy electrified the nation. A universal burst 
of praise went up for the gallant men who there had 
fought so well. General Halleck telegraphed to Gover- 
nor Kirk wood, " The 2d Iowa have proved themselves 
the bravest of the brave." And yet we were doing gar- 
rison duty in the rear. What had we done to merit less 
than these comrades of ours ? Had we failed our coun- 
try in the hour of trial ? Had we done so little, suffered 
so little, and complained so much ? Since Ft. Donelson, 
all the little battles of the war were forgotten. Blue 
Mills had dwindled into an insignificant affair. When 
we read the glowing accounts of these three days of 
battle, we almost ceased to be proud of it ourselves. 
A soldier would rather die than be behind in honor. 
We begged for a chance. We had no fears for the rest. 
At length we began to despair. We feared it was the 
intention of the commanding general to keep us behind 
always. We began to be ashamed of ourselves. We 
were ashamed to date our letters from Missouri. We 
would have blushed to look our friends in the face ; for 
who thought of us now ? 

Meanwhile the trial of Colonel Williams was taking 
place at St. Louis. Witnesses went and came. It was 
protracted from day to day. Among the enlisted men 
of the regiment, the feeling was still strong and bitter 
against him. Finally it was announced that he would 
be released. It was without much disappointment ; for 
we had watched the developments of the trial, and 
expected this event. At length it was reported that he 



188 Recollections with the Third Iowa, 

would join us, and that we should then be taken to 
the front. We rejoiced. 

On the 25th of February, Colonel Yv^illiams arrived 
at regimental headquarters, Mexico, Missouri. Com- 
panies F and K were stationed here. The latter re- 
ceived him with some courtesy ; the former Avith marked 
disdain. The memories of Chariton bridge still rankled 
in their bosoms. Nevertheless, we were disposed to 
be hopeful. We hoped that his long arrest had fur- 
nished an opportunity for meditation and repentance, 
and that he would be more careful of his conduct now. 
This Avas the case. Before his arrival we did every 
thing slackly. We almost began to forget that we were 
soldiers. The first thing he did was to enforce disci- 
pline. He instituted regular roll-calls, drills twice a 
day, and daily dress parades. He did nothing that we 
could complain of, although we watched him with the 
eyes of cynics. Day by day our former prejudices 
against him began to wear away. Almost imperceptibly 
those hitherto antagonistic elements, the colonel and his 
men, began to harmonize. Colonel Williams was a wiser 
officer, and we were better soldiers. 

On the 3d of March, it was announced, amid great 
rejoicing, that we would leave for the south as soon as 
transportation should arrive to take us away. 



CHAPTER XIY. 

Leave Mexico for St. Louis — Conduct of some of the men 

AND officers JoURNEY FROM St. LOUIS TO SaVANNAH, TeNN. 

Scenes on the passage described — Captain Albert Hobbs — 
Loyalty of the people on the Tennessee river — Move to 
Pittsburg Landing — The situation — Criticism, etc. 

The day of preparation for an important movement, 
is always among soldiers a busy and a jolly day. It is 
a day of work and play. Boxing up camp utensils, 
packing knapsacks, loading wagons and cooking rations 
constitutes the w^ork. Drinking, carousing and building 
bonfires constitutes the play. I need not say that those 
who do the least work generally do the most play. For 
this time I can only speak of the two companies at 
Mexico. During the day the order was work. Every 
thing passed off quietly and in order. By nightfall 
everything was ready and we only waited the cars. 
The troops who relieved us, a detachment of the Third 
Iowa Cavalry, had already ensconced themselves in 
our quarters. 

It was now time to play. Some of my comrades had 
this failing, that in an hour of great glee like this, they 
would drink. There are a class of soldiers who never 
drink except on such occasions. The " riotons '' com- 
menced. Bonfires were kindled, bottles emptied, while 

189 



190 Recollections with the Third loiva. 

cries and cheers and songs and peals of laughter rent 
the au\ I would not wish to be compelled to swear to 
all the unmilitarj proceedings that I saw that night, 
nor to what I think might have taken place, had Colonel 
Williams been less vigilant and some of his men more 
sober. The Colonel used every exertion, and with 
partial success, to keep those wdio were disposed to be 
noisy within proper bounds. 

At 11 P. M., we went aboard a train of box cars, and 
having disposed ourselves for sleep as best we could, 
awaited the dawn of day. To our surprise the bottoms 
of some of the cars were covered thickly with sawdust. 
We raked it up and made our beds upon it, and many 
were careful to get their full share. When we woke up 
in the morning, we found that we had been sleeping 
upon — well, the cars had been last used to transport 
Government horses. 

This train carried but five companies, the remaining 
portion of the regiment coming upon another. 

Morning found us at St. Charles, where we halted for 
breakfast, and smoked ourselves awhile around some 
ugly fires. The wind blew cold and raw from the north- 
west, and made us wish ourselves again in our moving 
quarters. We scon crossed the Missouri river and got 
aboard a train of passenger cars which brought us to 
St. Louis. After a long delay at the depot, we formed 
battalion, and marched through the city with all the 
pomp of which we were capable. At the levee we went 
aboard the Crescent City^ a boat which was Avaiting to 
convey troops. One that has not seen it can scarcely 
imagine the scene attendant upon a regiment of volun- 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 191 

teers getting aboard a transport. The violent scrambling 
for the best places ; the shouts of soldiers for mess- 
mates, and the grumbling of m.alcontents generally, 
make up a hubbub which never can be adequately 
described. 

The remainder of the regiment arrived the next day, 
and the whole was transferred to the latan. It was 
not without the greatest difficulty that the officers were 
able to keep the men together. A number got into the 
guard-liouse of the provost guard ; many straggled 
through the city, and some officers set the example ; 
many became intoxicated, and before night, I am com- 
pelled to state, the scene in the vicinity of the boat was 
disgraceful in the extreme. A strong chain of sentries 
had to be stationed to keep the men from straggling. 

Colonel Williams having procured the release of those 
in the guard-house and got the command aboard, the 
boat moved out at 8 P. M. The boat was heavily loaded 
with Government wagons and animals besides its human 
freight, and the river being heavy with floating ice, wx 
moved slowly. In the morning we passed St. Genevieve 
by a channel which left it four or five miles to our right. 
It was a lovely sight as we viewed it in the distance, its 
windows throwing back the red blaze of the rising sun. 
I will say nothing of the unwearying beauty of the 
scenes through which we passed this day. We arrived 
at Cairo at 8 P. M., and consumed part of the next day 
in getting coal and subsistence on board. Commodore 
Foote's iron-clad fleet was lying here at this time, some 
of the boats undergoing repairs. 

At 3 P. M., March 9th, we moved up the Ohio. It 



192 Recollections ivitli the Third Iowa, 

was swollen, sweeping over its banks, and through tlie 
forests on the Kentucky shore. We went to sleep upon 
its waters, and in the morning were steaming up the 
beautiful Tennessee. We arrived at Fort Henry at ten 
o'clock, and spent some time in viewing the work. 
Most of the troops in this vicinity were leaving or had 
left. General Grant was still here. Since arriving at 
Cairo, we had had vague rumors that we were to join 
an expedition which was to push up the Tennessee as 
far as Florence, Alabama. We now learned that the 
expedition was to be under Major General C. F. Smith, 
and that our regiment was to be assigned to the division 
of Brigadier General Hurlbut. This latter information 
displeased us exceedingly, as we had lost all confidence 
in that officer in Missouri. 

Leaving Fort Henry, we soon came up with a large 
fleet of transports loaded with troops, and at the railroad 
bridge twelve miles above were a number more. This 
river, like the Ohio, was very high, and swept through 
the bottoms on either side. The boat did not halt for 
night ; but when we awoke in the morning, it was tied 
up and taking on wood in the shape of a rail fence and 
a pile of staves. All day we steamed up the river. 
The day was bright and beautiful, and the canebrakes 
and cedars along the banks had a greenness that re- 
minded us of spring, and a soft breeze enhanced the 
pleasure of the ride. And when we saw all along the 
shore the citizens greet us with demonstrations of glad- 
ness and applause, we felt that we belonged to an army 
of liberation indeed. The way was lined with boats 
loaded with troops, we passing them, and they passing 



Recollections tvith the Third Iowa, 193 

us in turn. Before niglit, we found ourselves in a 
mighty transport fleet, nunibering from eighty to ninety 
vessels, loaded to the -water's edge with infantry, cavalry 
and artillery, and crowding up the river at full steam. 
Sometimes several boats would ride abreast and try 
their speed in the strong current, while the applause 
of thousands of voices would rend the woods. We will 
live long without seeing such a sight again. A grand 
army, equipped in splendor and exulting in success, 
moving far into the enemy's country with the speed 
-of steam. A grand army of sixty thousand men, 
moving upon the waters. It was a glorious sight, and 
we could not tire of gazing. From it every soldier 
seemed to catch a sense of the great moment of the 
enterprise, and of his own dignity as an agent in it. 
As the sun went down, the bands struck up martial 
airs, and, in the obscurity of darkness, the scene grew 
more sublime. For every boat seemed a monster, its 
fierce eyes gleaming through the darkness, one of green 
and one of red, its dark breath rolling up against the 
sky, and the hoarse breathing of its great labor aston- 
ishing the still woods, as it hurried on, bent on some 
great purpose of justice or of vengeance. It was a 
great purpose indeed ! — the preservation of the Republic 
whose foundation was the beginning of the " new series 
of ages." 

Was there ever such an assemblage of patriots ? — so 
much unity, so much courage, so much hope? 

But when we retired to our quarters, a far different 
scene presented itself. Soldiers crowded together like 
hogs in a pen ; breathing an atmosphere contaminated 
17 



194 Recollections ivitli the Third loioa, 

by the breath of hundreds of men ; sleeping, sitting and 
eating tipon filthy decks ; by day continually jostled 
and crowded about; kicked, jammed and trodden upon 
by night ; getting by day no exercise, by night no rest; 
living on raw meat and tasteless pilot bread ; and in all 
this many suffering from sickness ; — such was our con- 
dition on these transports. 

With our officers, how^ever, the case was different. 
They ate at the cabin table and had good fare. They 
slept in state rooms. They had the ladies' cabin to 
themselves, and guards were stationed to keep the sol- 
diers out of it. This w^as just. They had a right to 
what they paid for. But such a contrast of comfort and 
misery looked decidedly bad, especially among men wdio 
at home were equals, and whom mutual hardship and 
peril should have made friends. To us, the soldiers, it 
was a convincing proof that our officers were selfish and 
cared little for us. AYe could not see where they had 
merited so much more than we. Had they been braver 
in battle, or had they exposed themselves to greater 
danger ? They w^ere superior to us in rank and emolu- 
ments ; but this superiority we had conferred vfith our 
votes. Was this sharing the hardships of war as they 
had promised to do, while we were yet citizens? More- 
over, rank and emolument do not always answer the 
question of merit. Allow^ing that they had always done 
their duty in the places assigned them, had they done it 
better than we ? Had they been more exemplary in 
morals, or more attentive to duty, or more patient 
under suffering? Had they been so diligent in the 
acquisition of military knowledge as to be worthy of 



Recollections ivitJi the TJtird loiva. 195 

exemption from hardship? AYe conld not see it. There 
"vvas nothing peculiarly hard in their duties which should 
create this disparity. They did no fatigue duty. They 
did not carry a gun, a cartridge-box or a knapsack on 
a march. They did not have to walk the sentinel's beat 
in storm. The surgeon did not abuse them when they 
were sick. When they said they were not able to do 
duty, they were believed. But the Government had 
conferred on them these privileges. It was just. We had 
no right to complain. No, it was not just, for humanity 
■is no more than justice ; and there were men suffering 
from sickness who needed these comforts more than they. 
Generosity at least would have prompted them to deny 
themselves some comforts for the sake of alleviating 
the distress of others. It would certainly go far to pre- 
vent demoralization in the ranks. 

There was an officer Avho seemed to be actuated by 
these motives. Let his name be printed in capitals, 
CAPTAIN ALBERT HOBBS. He ate with his men, 
and, in consequence of this, many of his brother officers 
made merry of him, calling him in his absence, "Mother 
Hobbs." He merited their opprobrium, simply by being 
a comrade to his men. This brave and good man was 
mortally wounded in the battle of Shiloh, and was buried 
near the spot w^here he fell. His memory will always 
be cherished by those who served under him. 

Daylight of March 12th, found the great flotilla at 
anchor opposite Savannah, Tennessee, a dilapidated vil- 
lage about twenty-five miles from the Alabama line. 

The citizens of Savannah were for the most part 
favorable to our cause. The town was full of refugees 



196 Recollections luitli the Third loiva, 

from rebel conscription, to whom our presence was 
really a deliverance. Their stories of sufferings under 
the rebel rule would fill volumes. Their patriotism was 
genuine and unfeigned. Many of them enlisted on the 
gunboat Tyler, and in the 4Gth Ohio regiment. 

The morning after our arrival at Savannah, we heard 
cannonading above us. We could only conjecture the 
cause of it then ; but learned afterwards that it was the 
gunboats Tyler and Lexington, which convoyed the 
fleet, engaging the enemy's batteries at Eastport, Miss. 
The same day most of the fleet moved up the river, and 
our regiment went ashore to allow our boats to be 
cleansed, and before we were allowed to go aboard 
again, we enjoyed the luxury of being out in a drizzling 
rain. 

We found at Savannah another illustration of the 
fact, that the farther an army gets from railroads and 
telegraphs, the more news the country affords. The 
citizens informed us that a battle had been fought near 
Manasses, resulting disastrously to the rebels ; that 
though losing 10,000 men in killed and wounded, Mc- 
Clellan had taken 60,000 prisoners ! We also learned 
that Beauregard w^as concentrating a hundred thousand 
men a few miles above us, — a report in which there was 
more truth than we were willing to believe. 

Here, pausing and looking around us, the movements 
of the enemy and the designs of our generals began, if 
possible, to assume a more tangible shape in our ideas 
The army of General Albert Sidney Johnston had been 
driven from its defensive line, which stretched from 
Columbus to Bowling Green ; and now, its right wing 



Recollections tvilh the Third Iowa. 197 

in full retreat before Buell, its left assailed by Pope, and 
its center pierced by Grant ascending the Tennessee, it 
was endeavoring to concentrate on a new line of defense, 
that of the Memphis and Charleston Eailroad, at the 
strategic point of Corinth, having at that time commu- 
nication with all parts of the south, east and west, 
including the force which was blockading the Mississippi 
at Island No. Ten. With this purpose General Beaure- 
gard had probably already arrived at Corinth with a 
small portion of his troops, whither General Bragg was 
.hurrying with a division from Mobile and Pensacola; 
and if we may credit a letter written about this time 
from Decatur, Alabama, by General Johnston to Jeif. 
Davis, the advance guard of his army had already 
reached that point, while the main body was crossing 
the Tennessee at Decatur, — a movement which he was 
executing contrary to the advice of his staff, and in 
which he had great apprehensions of being thwarted by 
General Grant. 

Nothing would have been easier than this, had our 
fleet pushed on and landed the troops at a point from 
w^hich they could have disembarked and seized the 
Memphis & Charleston Railroad east of Corinth. "VVe 
could have then moved against Corinth, pushing Beau- 
regard toward the Mississippi and preventing his junc- 
tion with Johnston ; or, in the event of his retreating 
southward, isolating him from his troops at Island 
No. Ten, as well as from a large portion of his forces 
hastening from that direction. Thus it is seen how 
easily a little vigor on our part would have disorganized 
the plans of the rebel leaders, prevented their conccn- 



198 Recollections tvlth the TJiird loiva. 

tration on anj practicable line of defense, thrown 
confusion into their councils and demoralization into 
their ranks, disheartened their people just as they were 
called upon to furnish new levies, flanked the Mississippi 
river as far as Memphis, seized the strategic point 
of the West from which the armies of Grant and Buell 
united could have commenced a new march of victory, 
and, in one word, secured without bloodshed or hazard, 
fruits which a year of suffering and carnage scarcely 
sufficed to gain. These were golden hours of victory 
to the army of the West. All that was necessary was 
to march on. But just as we had reached the decisive 
moment, when the events of a year could have been 
accomplished in a week, we faltered. Just at the hour 
when to wait should have been our farthest thought, 
we halted. 

The enemy had placed batteries at Eastport, Miss., 
to blockade the river and cover the movement of 
General Johnston's troops over the railroad from De- 
catur to Corinth. It is also probable that he had a 
small land force at that point. The wooden gunboats 
engaged the batteries unsuccessfully. But it can not 
be claimed that they amounted to an obstacle in the 
way of General Smith. They could easily have been 
captured or driven off" by our infantry. This Gen. Smith 
did not attempt ; whether it was that his orders restricted 
his movements, or whether he was unequal to the occa- 
sion, is yet to be made known. 

Toward night, March 4th, three days' rations were 
issued to our regiment with orders to divide, cook and 
be ready to march at daylight. The kitchen furnaces 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 199 

of tlie bojit were taken possession of for this purpose ; 
and notwithstanding the work was crowded vigorously, 
but three companies could get their rations cooked 
during the night. 

At daylight the boats conveying General Hurlbut's 
division moved up the river a few miles under convoy 
of a gunboat, and halted opposite the bluffs of Pittsburg 
Landing, which the enemy had occupied a few daj^s be- 
fore. Nine boats tied up on the western bank and two 
on the eastern, one of which was our own. "VYe built 
fires on shore and proceeded to cook the rations we had 
not been able to do the previous evening. The whole 
expedition was almost at a halt. Most of the fleet was 
above us, probably endeavoring to effect a landing at 
Hamburg, six miles above. We, the soldiers, knew 
little of the whereabouts of the enemy. It was not fair 
to conjecture that our generals knew much more. A 
general generally knows much less of his antagonist 
than those who are not generals think he ought to. A 
few da3^s before, the enemy had a force with some artil- 
lery on Pittsburg Bluffs. A gunboat had engaged them 
and driven off their artillery, but the}^ in turn had 
repulsed our infantry which landed and attempted to 
pursue. 

Who knew now that the enemy was not in force be- 
yond our observation ready to dispute our landing? 
The honor of first setting foot on this historic soil 
belongs to the fourth division. To land at all in the 
face of the intervening bottom overflowed with water? 
presented no ordinary difficulties. The 41st Illinois 
regiment disembarked in light order, ascended the 



200 BecoUcciions tvith the Third Iowa. 

bluff and advanced into the woods to cover the move- 
ment. General Sherman at the same time hegan pre- 
parations to debark. Roads were cut up the sides of 
the bluffs on Avhich the wagons and artillery could 
ascend. These dispositions being made, General Hurl- 
but announced the details of the disembarking of his 
division in the following order : 

Head Quarters, Fourth Divrsiox, \ 
March 17, 1862. / 
General Orders, \ 
No. 4. j 

The 1st and 3d Brigades of this Division, now at 
Pittsburg Landing, will disembark as rapidly as possi- 
ble and form camps by brigades, the 1st Brigade with 
the left resting on the road, and the 3d with the right. 
In order to establish the lines without confusion, the 1st 
Brigade will commence the movement forming in brigade 
line right in front on the road. On reaching the point 
designated by a staff officer detailed for that purpose, 
the brigade will file right into line perpendicular to the 
road. Regiments taking positions according to the 
rank of their Colonels, from right to left. The 3d 
Brigade will be formed on the same road, left in front, 
and on reaching their line will fde left into brigade line 
on the extension of the line of the 1st Brigade. Full 
room to the front will be taken by these brigades so as to 
permit the other troops to establish camps in their rear. 

Tents will be pitched by the single fde by the com- 
panies. After the above line is established, the brigades 
will stack arms and break by right of companies for the 
1st Brigade, and b}^ left of companies for the 3d 



MecoUecHons ivitli the Third loiva. 201 

Brigade to the rear, leaving an interval of twenty-five 
paces from the color line to the first company tent. 

Proper details will then be made to bring up the 
baggage and trains of the Regiments, and have but the 
details allowed to leave tlie regimental grounds. The 
transportation of each brigade will be used for this pur- 
pose without reference to the Regiments under the or- 
ders of the Brigade Quarter Master. 

Thirty paces will be allowed between regiments, un- 
less the nature of the ground compels a wider interval. 
Police and Regimental guards will be established before 
the Brigades stack arms. Commanding officers will see 
that sinks are established for their officers and men at 
once. 

Burrow's Battery will occupy ground between the 
two Brigades, one-half with the 1st, and the other with 
the 3d. Mann's Battery, on the Key West will drop 
over to this side of the river as soon as the landing is 
opened, and be assigned to cover the flank of the 3d 
Brigade. 

As fast as a boat is cleared of troops and baggage, it 
•will be reported to these Head Quarters and sent to 
Savannah. The orders are to hold Pittsburg Landing 
and the honorable post of exterior line in front is given 
to this Division. 

All officers are enjoined to give their strict personal 
attention to discipline and drill in their respective com- 
mands. Their attention is especially called to the 49th 
and 50th Articles of W^ar, and they are notified that 
they will be strictly enforced. Each Regiment will clear 
its regimental ground for parade and drill, and as soon 



202 Recollections with the Third Iowa, 

as possible a rigid inspection will be made by Brigade 
commanders. 

The 3d Iowa will establisli camp perpendicularly to 
the line of the 1st Brigade, the right toward the river 
along the brush. The Empress and Emerald, having 
commissary stores on board, will fix themselves at some 
convenient points as soon as the rest of the transporta- 
tion is drawn off. The General commanding will take 
Head-Quarters on shore as soon as the line is established. 

By order of Brig. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut, 

Smith D. Atkins, A. A. A. G. 

While the work preparatory to disembarking was 
going on, the men w^ere allowed to go ashore to cook 
their rations and wash their clothes. Much curiosity 
was exhibited in examining the field of the recent en- 
gagement. The bodies left on the field had been but 
slightly buried by the enemy, and the graves were cov- 
ered over with rails. While an Illinois regiment was 
exhuming and reburying the bodies of their fallen com- 
rades, many soldiers crowded around to get a view of 
the marred faces of the dead. And so great was the 
curiosity of some young soldiers to see the bodies of 
men who had been slain in battle, that a guard had to 
be placed over the graves of the enemy's dead to pre- 
vent them from being again torn open. 

The Fourth Division landed on the 17th, agreeably 
to General Hurlbut's order, and the 3d Iowa took posi- 
tion on the bluff in rear of the line. We drew new 
Sibley tents, and six were allowed to the company. 
The ground was full of water ; but our quarters were 
commodious and contrasted delightfully with the filthy 



Recollections with the TJiird Iowa. 203 

decks of the latan. But sickness TN'as already becoming 
alarmingly prevalent among us. The confinement, bad 
diet, and bad air to which we had been subject, had 
thinned our ranks and filled the hospital as much as a 
hard fought battle. The water which we now had to 
drink was brackish and sickening. It was furnished by 
surface springs, and was the soakings of the roots of all 
the vegetation of the forest. Camp diarrhoea was the 
prevailing malady. We had not been in camp a week 
before there was scarcely a man who did not have it. 

The Third Iowa was assigned by direction of Major 
General Grant, to the 1st Brigade, Fourth Division, and 
Col. Williams, as ranking officer, assumed command. 
The Brigade was composed of the Third Iowa, the 32d 
Illinois, Col. John Logan, the 41st Illinois, Col. I. C. 
Pugh, the 28th Illinois, Col. E. K. Johnson, and Bur- 
row's Battery of light guns. It was very fortunate for 
Col. Williams to be thus placed in command of a brigade 
of such excellent troops, and his friends are confident 
that if he had not been disabled early in the battle of 
Shiloh, he w^ould have silenced the accusations again^it 
him. Major Stone was left in command of our regi- 
ment. Col. Scott being absent on account of sickness. 
We twice changed our camp previous to the battle, and 
when that event occurred, the 1st Brigade was camped 
in proper order, the 3d Iowa on the extreme right. Be- 
yond us were the divisions of Sherman and Prentiss, and 
to our right those of McClernand and Smith. 

In the confusion of hills, ravines, and cross-roads, it 
was scarcely possible for a casual observer to come to a 
definite conclusion as to the topography of our camps. 



204 Recollections luith the Third Iowa. 

But he did not have to look twice at that citj of white 
tents in the solemn forest to be impressed with the gran- 
deur of the sight. As far as the eye could reach the 
hills were covered with them. Bj day the roads were 
choked Avith baggage wagons coming and going; the 
woods teemed with armed men ; the air was full of mar- 
tial sounds. The noise of artillery firing on drill with 
blank cartridges, joined to that of soldiers discharging 
their pieces in the woods, at times almost counterfeited 
a battle. The field music, bugles and bands were con- 
tinually playing, and a steam calliope on one of the 
transports seemed to catch up their notes and repeat 
them to the distant hills. 

Our spare tent was mostly occupied w^ith drills and 
and reviews. The weather was much of the time rainy, 
and sickness and despondency continued to increase. 
We had tidings that our arms were everywhere success- 
ful, and yet we were in gloom. • It almost seemed to us 
that we were suffering to no purpose. In a week or ten 
days after our arrival at Pittsburg Landing, the roads 
had dried up so as to be quite passable. Why, then, 
did we not advance ? The reason is obvious now\ Our 
delay had given the enemy time to concentrate at Cor- 
inth, and we must now wait the arrival of Buell before 
resuming the offensive. Ah ! how nearly fiital was the 
delay ! Our blunder in failing to deal the enemy a 
a decisive blow when we had the opportunity is equaled 
by that of allowing him the opportunity of dealing a 
decisive blow against us. He was concentrating a large 
army within a few days' march of us, with what design 
we were ignorant, whether merely to arrest our further 



Recollections ivith the Third Iowa, 205 

advance, or to march upon us and give us battle. In 
the latter event our situation was a higlilj dangerous 
one. With an impassable river immediately in our 
rear, and an impenetrable forest on either flank, defeat 
would amount to no less than destruction and capture. 
The soldiers themselves were not so stupid as not to 
discern the peril to which we were exposed. Neverthe- 
less, not even the ordinary precautions were taken 
against it. The troops were not camped in proper line 
of battle ; reconnoisances w^ere unfrequent and unsatis- 
faotory ; picketing at the time of the attack was dono 
only by the infantry ; and the picket line was but a 
short distance in front of the line of advanced camps ; 
and what w^as well nigh as bad, the head- quarters of the 
commanding general were at Savannah, eight miles 
awa}^. We had rumors that the enemy were evacuating 
Corinth, and again that he was marching against us. 
Vv'hatever we believed, we could not deny that if the 
enemy expected to give us a decisive blow, he would 
attempt it now. The evening before the battle, I ob- 
served a captain talking vrith one of his men as thcj 
viewed from an eminence near the Landing the camps 
of the army. Their observations on the danger of our 
situation were very similar to those I have just made. 
Their words were almost prophetic. For in twenty- 
four hours that army whose camps they savf extending 
so widely and so beautifully, was rolled back a broken 
mass upon the bluff, half of its artillery and most of 
its material in the hands of the enemy, and with two 
hours more of such disaster, would have been utterly 
destroyed or captured. 



CHAPTER XV. 

The enemy's reconnoisance, April 4th — The alarm 5th 
April — THE BATTLE OF SHILOH— The soldier's impression 

OF A BATTLE STRAGGLERS AND THEIR SHAMEFUL CONDUCT ThB 

different movements and positions of our division and brigade 
IN the battle — Appearance of General Grant — Gallant 
charge and repulse of a rebel brigade. 

On the evening of the 4th of April, while a heavy 
thunderstorm was raging, we heard dull sounds in ad- 
vance like the firing of infantry. It was the 5th Ohio 
Cavalry encountering a reconnoitering force of the 
enemy. These sounds created little alarm until, when 
both they and the storm had ceased, the long-roll began 
to beat in the different camps. But for some reason 
the drums of the Third Iowa were silent, until General 
Ilurlbut rode through our camp and impatiently ordered 
them to beat. When the long-roll had ceased beating, 
there arose a noise throughout the camps which sounded 
more like the ghost of a battle than any thing to which 
it can be likened. It was the men bursting caps to 
clear out the tubes of their guns. General Ilurlbut 
hurried his troops forward to the support of Sherman. 
The reiriments ioincd one after another in the column 
as they took the road. The mud was deep, the artillery 
wheels sinking nearly to the hubs, and what made it 

worse, it was already getting quite dark. 

206 



Recollections with the Third loiva. 207 

When \Ye had advanced about three-quarters of a 
mile, General Ilurlbut received orders to turn back. 
This put the boys in great glee ; for we did not at all 
relish the idea of sleeping in the mud without blankets, 
and we had no expectation of a fight. The dullest sol- 
dier now found occasion to explode a little wit, and 
numerous and loud were the jokes and retorts that 
passed from mouth to mouth, as the column straggled 
through the deep mud. The general himself did not 
escape being holloaed at ever and anon by some grace- 
less wag. We went to sleep that night without any 
apprehensions in consequence of the alarm, although we 
had heard General Hurlbut say that the enemy was 
either evacuating Corinth or moving against us ; and 
that this cavalry movement was either a feint to deceive 
us, or a reconnoisance to discover our position. 

The following day, all was quiet throughout the 
camps. No one seemed to think of such a thing as the 
immediate presence of the enemy. Several boats 
arrived loaded with troops, among which were the IGth 
Iowa, 18th Wisconsin, and Madison's battery of siege 
guns. Madison's men had been with us in Missouri, 
and we greeted them almost as friends. These two 
infantry regiments were undrilled and had just received 
their arms. They were sent forward to Prentiss in the 
advance. 

There were rumors among us that Buell had arrived 
at Savannah ; but no one seemed to feel certain that it 
was so. From the front there were no tidings of any 
thing unusual — not an intimation of the nearness of the 
enemy. Over all was settled a frightful calm. It was 



208 Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

that which indicates the gathering storm. Within an 
hour's march of us the enemy was taking his positions 
for battle. What a whirlwind was preparing for the 
morrow ! 

We have reached a day when history pauses and 
hesitates. It began in astonishment and cloud and 
mystery. It developed into a tempest. It ended in 
disaster and wreck. Officers and men alike it blinded. 
It is doubtful whether the commanding general, once 
on the field, succeeded in comprehending it. The sol- 
dier that fights in a battle neither sees, hears nor under- 
stands it. It is a confusion, an infinitude of noises, an 
earthquake of jarring multitudes. A man plunges into 
it, and the fountains of his emotions are broken up. 
He endeavors to hear and see and realize all that- is 
taking place around him ; but his faculties recoil ex- 
hausted. The situation masters him. He yields him- 
self to it, and sees himself drifted on like a grain of sand 
in a tornado. A thousand sights and sounds and 
emotions rush upon him ; but he does not comprehend 
them. Nevertheless there are certain bold outlines that 
imprint themselves on his memory. When the storm 
is over, he closes his eyes and senses to see again this 
indistinguishable spectral train of terrible images. All 
reappear before him, — lines of battle advancing and 
retreating, infantry rushing, and batteries gallopjng to 
and fro ; — over all, the smoke of battle, as if endeavor- 
ing to shut out the gaze of Heaven, and amid all a 
deafening crash of sounds, as if it were feared some 
higher voice than man's would be heard forbidding. 

But there are times in battle when the chaotic whole 



Recollections iviili the Third Iowa. 209 

resolves itself into definite shapes, some of which we see 
clearly. What we see of the great tempest at these 
times, together with the myriad rushing shapes of which 
we form no definite conception, form our recollections 
of a great battle. He alone who views it at a distance 
can be its historian. Those who participate in it can 
only contribute items. 

With us the battle of Shiloh w^as not a battle. It 
yras merely a resistance — a planless, stubborn resis- 
tance. After the first onset of the enemy, which was to 
the whole army, if not to General Grant himself, a 
complete surprise, the field was contested by our troops 
with a heroism which Avill forever redound to their 
honor. Divisions, brigades, regiments, men, fought 
recklessly, but no one could tell how ; such was the 
tumult without and within. Such was the obscurity we 
can scarcely affirm with certainty what we believe we 
saw. Facts confronted each other and became uncer- 
tainties ; certainties contradicted each other ; impos- 
sibilities became certainties. This is wdiy history 
hesitates. 

I do not undertake a general description of the battle 

of Shiloh. I can only tell how the part of the conflict 

I saw appeared to me ; how my regiment went through 

it ; what it did and what it attempted to do. Beyond 

this, I can only sum up the general phases. Surprised 

at seven, and our front line broken ; reinforced and 

confident at ten ; stubborn at twelve ; desperate at two ; 

our lines crumbling away at three ; broken at four ; 

routed and pulverized at five ; at six, rallying for a 

last desperate stand ; at which time a third army 
18 



210 Recollections with the Third loiva. 

appears on the field and a new battle properly com- 
mences. 

At about an hour of sun, while we were eating our 
breakfasts, vollies of musketry were heard in advance. 
We remarked, ^' they are skirmishing pretty sharply in 
front." By degrees the firing grew steadier and nearer. 
" If,'* said we, " it is a reconnoissance of the enemy, it 
is a bold one ; for he is certainly pushing back our 
advanced troops." Suddenly set in the noise of can- 
non — jar after jar — quicker and quicker, announcing 
too truly that the enemy was attacking us in force. 
Many instinctively buckled on their accoutrements and 
took their guns. Others continued to manifest the 
utmost indifference, and some laughed at the vollies 
which announced the slaughter of comrades. These 
manifestations were counterfeits. They lied about the 
real feelings within. A man may put on the outAvard 
appearance of indifference or mirth ; but when fortune 
begins to play freaks with all he has or hopes for, he is 
seldom mirthful, never indifferent. 

And now the long roll began to beat. The soldiers 
flew to their arms and canteens, the oflficers to their 
swords and men, the wagoners to their mules and 
wagons, the surgeons to their tools and ambulances, 
the sutlers to their books and goods. Our regiment 
was promptly formed and moved to the front and left. 
Passing the 32d Illinois in line, we heard a field officer 
tell them that any one guilty of straggling from the 
ranks should be court-martialed for cowardice and 
shot. They cheered the announcement, and our voices 
loudly responded. Meanwhile stragglers in wagons 



Recollections with the TJiird Iowa, 211 

with wounded men, and in squads with and without 
arms, began to pour down the road. To our questions 
they answered that they had fought an hour v>ithout 
support (I) ; that the enemy was in their camps ; that 
their regiments were all cut to pieces ; to all of which 
ridiculous stories we paid no attention, but passed on. 
About a mile in advance the battle was now raging 
with fury. Our regiment moved by the flank, taking 
direction to the southwest and diverging to the left from 
the main road on which we had marched the previous 
Friday evening. We moved in this way through tangled 
woods for perhaps half a mile, when we filed to the right 
and shifted by the left flank into line, in which manner 
we advanced perhaps a quarter of a mile. Among so 
many obstacles of logs, trees and underbrush, it was 
impossible to move in line with any degree of steadi- 
ness. Our line wavered, sometimes opening into great 
gaps, and sometimes closing so as to crowd the men 
together into several ranks, if indeed it can be said that 
we maintained any ranks at all. Before leaving our 
camp we had been ordered to load. As soon as we 
began to advance in line we were ordered to fix bayonets. 
This increased our confusion, because it increased our 
expectations, and because it was much more difiicult to 
march through the thick brush with bayonets fixed. 
At the same time, whose fault it was I do not know, we 
did not have a skirmisher between us and the enemy. 

We had not marched far this way before we met 
scattered stragglers pouring through the woods. We 
at length halted, dressed our line, and other regiments 
of the 1st Brigade formed on our left. At this time a 



212 Recollections with the Third loiva. 

mass of stragglers hurried pell mell past our right, 
■v\hom a field officer was trying to rally. It proved to 
be -what was left of a regiment of Sherman's division, 
led, or rather followed, by a lieutenant colonel. By 
mingled entreaties and threats he succeeded in inducing 
a few of them to form and close up the interval between 
our regiment and the one on our -left. A sergeant of 
one of our companies took occasion to speak depreci- 
atingly of their courage ; but Major Stone rebuked him, 
telling him it was no time for crimination noAV. The 
Major evidently believed as did most of his men, that 
the situation was a precarious one, and that we, too, 
might be likewise routed. 

It is a literal fact that some of the regiments of Sher- 
man's and Prentiss' divisions were pulverized by the 
first onset of the enemy. They fled through the woods 
in panic, like sheep pursued by wolves. Neither com- 
mands, threats nor entreaties were of any avail to check 
them. They could hear behind them the enemy's mus- 
ketry and his shout of triumph ; but they could not see 
before them, the revolvers presented to their breasts by 
their officers, who demanded of them to turn back and 
face the enemy. Idle waste of w^ords ! Honor, glory^ 
country, liberty ; defeat, captivity, humiliation, shame ; 
— all were alike to them. You shouted these words to 
them, but they did not understand you. It was no time 
for them to think of such things now. They had but 
one thought, to save themselves from the enemy's balls 
and bayonets. Of all their hearts cherished, nothing 
was so dear to them as their worthless carcasses. You 
shouted -^ coward ! " '■ dastard ! " in their ears. They 



Recollections tvitJi the Tliird loiva. 213 

admitted it and. rushed on. They had no colonels, no 
captains, no country ; no firesides, no honor, no future. 
What was more discouraging than all, officers were some- 
times seen to lead in these shameless stampedes. 

At this very time regiments and battalions w^ere 
hurrying forward to reinforce them and close up the 
breaches caused by their ignoble flight. We could look 
back and see them coming. It was a glorious, an all- 
cheering sight, battalion after battalion moving on in 
splendid order, stemming the tide of these broken 
masses ; not a man straggling ; regiments seeming to 
■ be animated by one soul. These were the troops of the 
Fourth Division, and this was the splendid manner in 
which their general led them against the enemy. 

While in this position, where the First Brigade formed 
its first line at half past eight in the morning, the enemy 
advanced his batteries and began to shell us vigorously. 
Before us was a gentle ridge covered with dense woods 
and brush. The enemy fired at random. We lay flat 
on the ground and laughed at his shells exploding harm- 
lessly in the tops of the trees above us. Our regiment 
shifted position two or three times here ; but the whole 
brigade Avas soon ordered forward to take a position in 
a cotton field where one of our batteries had been 
planted. Beyond this field, we for the first time caught 
sight of the enemy, his regiments with their red banners 
flashing in the morning sun marching proudly and all 
undisturbed through the abandoned camps of Prentiss. 
To him as suddenly appeared the 1st Brigade, widely 
deployed upon the open field, the ground sloping toward 
him and not a brush to conceal us from his view; a 



214 Recollections witli the Tliird Iowa. 

single blue line, compact and firm, crowned with a 
hedge of sparkling bayonets, our flags and banners 
flapping in the breeze ; and in our center a battery of 
six guns, whose dark mouths scowled defiance at him. 
The enemy's infantry fronted toward us and stood. 
Ours kneeled and brought their pieces to the ready. 
Thus for some moments the antagonists surveyed each 
other. He was on the offensive ; we on the defensive. 
We challenged him to the assault ; but he moved not. 
He was partly masked in the woods and the smoothbore 
muskets of our regiment could not reach him. But a 
regiment on the left of the brigade opened fire. The 
others followed, and the fire was caught up and carried 
along the entire line. It was some moments before our 
ofiicers could make the men desist from the useless waste 
of powder. The enemy's infantry did not reply; but 
no sooner had our foolish firing ceased than one of his 
batteries, completely masked, opened upon ours with 
canister. His first shots took efiect. Ours replied a 
few times, when its officers and men disgracefully fled, 
leaving two guns in battery on the field. 

Having driven off this battery, the enemy turned his 
guns upon tlie infantry. But most of his discharges 
flew over our heads and rattled harmlessly through the 
tops of the dry trees. He soon, however, obtained our 
range more perfectly, and we began to suffer from his 
fire. We were thus a target for his artillery, and could 
not at that range give him an effective return. Major 
Stone protested against his men being kept in a posi- 
tion Avliere they were so uselessly exposed; and soon 
after the brigade abandoned the field, our regiment 



Recollections with the Third loiva. 215 

taking position to the right of it in front of the ITth 
Kentucky. 

The other regiments formed in rear of the field. We 
were soon after moved to the rear and placed in position 
in the third reserve line. In this position we were more 
exposed to the enemy's artillery, his shells passing over 
the advance lines and bursting frequently over our 
heads, but generally far in our rear. Soon it was 
rumored down the ranks that Colonel Williams was 
wounded. A solid shot had passed through his horse 
in rear of his saddle, killing the animal and stunning 
■the Colonel so badly that he had to be taken to the 
rear. Colonel Pugh, of the 41st Illinois, announced 
that he assumed command of the brigade. 

Meantime the battle rose with great fury to our right. 
The firing grew into a deafening and incessant roar. 
For an hour we lay in this position, listening to the 
exploding shells around us; to the noises of battle to 
our right, and to reports that came in from different 
parts of the field. The day now seemed to be every- 
where going well. It was ten o'clock. The battle had 
raged for three hours. But on the left of the army the 
enemy was making no serious attempts ; the center, 
though furiously assailed, held its ground ; and it was 
reported that on the right we were driving the enemy. 

About this time General Grant, with two or three 
staff officers, rode up from the rear. We were about to 
raise a shout, but our officers ordered us to be silent. 
An Illinois regiment in front of us cheered lustily as he 
passed. The General's countenance wore an anxious 
look, yet bore no evidence of excitement or trepidation. 



216 . Recollections witJi the Third loiva. 

He rode leisurely forward to the front line. We did not 
see liim again till night, and then he was on the blufls 
near the river endeavoring to rally his dispirited troops, 
and General Buell was with him. 

About 11 o'clock, our regiment moved so far to the 
left that our left wing rested behind the cotton field. 
Looking forward we could see the two abandoned pieces. 
Side by side, like faithful comrades, they faced the foe, 
as if ashamed to fly like the ignoble men who had left 
them to their fate. But why were those guns left thus ? 
We had remained on the field some time after they were 
abandoned, and had suffered little loss. After we had 
abandoned the field, volunteers had gone forward and 
spiked them. Why then could they not have been 
brought away? To see our cannon abandoned when 
the enemy could not come and take them away, was dis- 
coura<]:in2: enough. It was an enioma which we did not 
wish to solve. Beyond the field we could now see the 
enemy distinctly, and some of the time his movements 
were plain to us. But he was beyond our range, and 
our officers would not allow us to fire. This was an 
excellent position for artillery, the open field affording 
free range and a fair view of the enemy to the right and 
left as well as to the front. Our duty was now to support 
the several batteries which were successively ordered 
to take position here, and which were successively either 
ordered away or disabled by the superior practice of the 
enemy. Ilis artillery kept up a most vigorous fire. 
The air was full of his screeching missiles, and his shells 
burst over our heads continually. His canister reached 
us spent and only capable of afflicting with bruises ; his 



Recollections with the Third Iowa, 217 

ordinary shells did little mischief; his case shot had the 
most effect. But rapid as was his firing, when lying down, 
we suffered comparatively little. 

Meanwhile the battle commenced furiously immedi- 
ately to the right of the field and in front of the position 
from which we had just moved. A fierce yell of the 
enemy mingled with the increasing din of musketry 
announced the approach of his assailing columns. And 
now, as though a thousand angry thunders were joining 
their voices, the incessant jar grated horribly upon the 
.ear, drowning all other sounds. The discharge of our 
artillery could scarcely be heard. Dense clouds of 
smoke lifted themselves above the combatants. We 
listened breathless with expectation. Suddenly the 
firing ceased, and a wild shout of triumph caught up by 
listening comrades, borne far along the line, announced 
that the assault had been repulsed. And now in the 
storm a few moments lull, and the assault was renewed 
with the same fury as before and with the same result. 
And thus, after battering those lines for two hours with 
his artillery, the enemy assailed them for three hours 
with his infantry, his attacking columns withering away 
each time before the well-directed fire of our heroic 
troops. Nowhere on all the field of battle did the storm 
rage so fiercely. Nowhere did the enemy assail and 
renew the assault with such rage, and nowhere did our 
troops fight with such inspiring valor. Nor was there 
a place on the field which after the battle showed so 
many marks of conflict. At one point, where the un- 
derbrush was heavy, it was for several rods around lite- 
rally mowed down with rifle balls. Saplings no larger 



218 HecoUections ivith ihe Tliird loiva. 

than a man's wrist were struck as many as seven times. 
The range of the balls seems to have been perfect, few 
striking lower than two, or higher than five feet from 
the ground. When it is known that this storm must 
have showered through the ranks of living multitudes, 
was anything more needed to account for the immense 
number of dead that streived this part of the field. The 
troops that held this part of our line were the 3d Brigade 
of the Fourth Division, commanded by Gen. Lauman. 

Thus we lay behind this open field silent spectators 
of the battle. Mann's Missouri battery was in position 
on the left of our regiment, and fired with great rapidity 
and eJOfect. General Hurlbut twice rode up and compli- 
mented them, and his words moved the gallant Dutch- 
men to tears. At times during the conflict around us 
we could hear its noise on the more distant parts of the 
field. As far as we could hear beyond the. 3d Brigade 
to our right, the firing grew more and more irregular, 
and farther and farther to the rear, which told us too 
well that our right and center were being crowded back. 
Men that came from our regimental camp reported that 
most of the forenoon the enemy's shells had been falling 
there, and that now, at noon, his infantry was very near. 
The 2d Brigade of the 4th Division which had been sent 
early in the morning to support Sherman near the 
center had been broken by overwhelming numbers and 
driven from its positions with great loss. Everywhere, 
except on the left, our line had crumbled before the 
enemy. Now, let it be said to the honor of the 4th 
Division, he had found his Farm of Ilougomont. The 
1st and 3d Brigades of Hurlbut and the 2d Brigade 



Recollections with the Third loiva, 219 

of Sherman, commanded by Colonel Dave Stuart, bad 
held this position unshaken since morning, and the 
enemy's assaults had only served to multiply his dead 
At length he lost his reason in his baffled rage ; and 
failing in his repeated efforts to break the 3d Brigade, 
and thus propagate on our left the disorder of the 
center, he undertook to carry the cotton field and cap- 
ture the annoying battalions behind it by direct assault. 
A brigade leaped the fence, line after line, and formed 
on the opposite side of the field. It was a splendid 
sight, those men in the face of death closing and dress- 
ing their ranks, hedges of bayonets gleaming above 
them, and their proud banners waving in the breeze ; 
our guns, shotted with canister, made great gaps in 
their ranks, Avhich rapidly closed, not a man faltering 
in his place. And now their field ofiicers waved their 
hats. A shout arose, and that column, splendidly 
aligned, took the double quick and moved on magnifi- 
cently. We could not repress exclamations of admira- 
tion. There is a grandeur in heroism, even when con- 
nected with a bad cause. We could not hate those men. 
Were they committing a crime ? They had been edu- • 
cated to love what we hated. They could not advance 
so splendidly upon death itself, and imagine it was for 
aught but a noble cause. Nevertheless, it seemed to 
us like the wrong assaulting the right — like the night 
advancing upon the day ; dark and gloomy, it is true, 
but with all the majesty of night. We saw the truth; 
we pitied the event, but recognized the inexorable neces- 
sity of firing upon those men. Our ofiicers ordered us 
to reserve our fire and wait for the word. On, on came 



220 Recollections with the TJiird Iowa. 

their unwavering line. Not a man faltered ; not a gun 
they fired. Not a gap occurred, save where our canister 
went plunging through, and these were speedily closed. 
Suddenly a few rifles were heard in the 32d Illinois on 
our left, and a field ofiicer was seen to fall. And then 
all along our regimental line a crash of muskets main- 
tained in a steady roar, followed by a cloud of blinding 
smoke, through which we could see nothing. We knew 
not whether they stood or fell, halted, retreated, or ad- 
vanced. We only knew that their bullets at times 
rattled through the fence, and that some of our men 
were shot. We continued to load and fire until our 
officers ordered us to cease firing, and then it was not 
■without much difiiculty that they could make us under- 
stand and obey them. When the smoke cleared away, 
we saw what was left of this splendid brigade, retreating 
in good order by the right flank, by which movement 
they placed a hill between them and us. Singular 
enough, many muskets again commenced firing. The 
enemy's dead and wounded lay so thickly upon the field 
where his charge was first checked, that they looked 
like a line of troops lying down to receive our fire. It 
was some time before we could believe that such was 
not the case. When we saw our victory, there went up 
an exultant shout. It was a moment of ineff'able joy to 
us. No one who has not felt it knows how a soldier 
feels in such a moment of triumph. We had served ten 
months, and marched and watched and fought, and suf- 
fered, and this was our first victory. But that single 
moment was sufficient to compensate us for all we had 
endured to gain it. 



CHAPTER XYI. 

Thr enemy massing against the left — Our successful stand- 
Retreat AND OUR successive POSITIONS THEREIN — We FORM THE 

LEFT OF Prentiss — His gallant conduct and capture — Capture 
OF Major Stone— He and Prentiss vindicated — Scene on the 
Bluff — Night and Buell — The cannonade — The night. 

Our triumph was but the beginning of disaster. 
From our position we couhl see the enemy preparing a 
storm which was to sweep us from the field. Regiment 
after regiment of his infiintry filed along our front 
beyond the field, and took position in front of Colonel 
Stuart's brigade, which formed the extreme left of the 
line. Once or twice his cavalry formed as if to charge 
us, and then disappeared. This was probably an attempt 
to mask the movements of his other troops. It did not 
succeed. We watched with harrowing expectations this 
masking of his battalions on our left. We noticed, too, 
that toward the right the firing had grown feeble and 
irregular. This told us that the enemy was withdraw- 
ing troops from the right and concentrating them against 
this part of the line, which was all . that remained un- 
broken. In the meantime would we be reinforced? 
We could hardly expect it ; for we knew that our other 
troops were broken and that there were no reserves. 
Turning to ourselves we saw that we had already suf- 



222 Recollections ivitli the Third loiva. 

fered heavily. Our remaining gims were well nigh 
disabled, and much of our infantry was hors de combat. 
And yet we saw that our only resource was our own 
strength and courage. Everything seemed now at stake 
and depending upon us, — life, honor, the salvation of 
the army and perhaps the success of our cause. We 
looked the crisis in the face, and every soldier seemed 
to resolve to meet it like a man. Most of the 1st Bri- 
gade had been moved to the left to support the expected 
point of attack. General Hurlbut was there to command 
the men in person, and to inspire them by his brave 
example as he had already done. Half of our regiment 
was moved to the left, but was not taken beyond the 
end of the field. 

At half past three o'clock, the enemy's infantry in a 
column of several lines moved to the attack. From our 
position we could see the immense mass sweeping 
through the half open woods. The spectacle charmed 
even the dread it occasioned. At the same time his 
artillery, strengthened by the arrival of additional bat- 
teries, began to fire with greatly increased vigor, and 
his infantry renewed the battle on the right of the field. 
Everywhere around us the storm began to rage ; shot, 
shell, grape, canister came howling and whistling through 
our lines. The very trees seemed to protest against it. 
Missiles flew everywhere. L3^ing on our faces we could 
not escape them. Our artillery, the 2d Michigan bat- 
tery, replied feebly but bravely. Their horses were shot 
down and their men swept from their guns. We could 
not but admire the heroic conduct of these men, and 
fihudder to see them fall. When we saw them go down 



Recolle€tio7is tvith the Third Iowa, 223 

before those terrible vollies, liorses, riders and gunners 
thrown upon each other, we forgot all feelings but pity, 
thick as was the danger around us. Their battery was 
finally disabled and compelled to withdraw into the 
woods. It is impossible to depict this hour of conilict. 
All the noises of battle commingled rose in a bewilder- 
ing roar, and above all we could hear the cries of the 
combatants as they joined, and the shouts of multitudes, 
announcing a successful or an unsuccessful charge ; for 
w^e knew not whether these voices were of friends or 
foes. It was a swift, anxious hour. 

By four o'clock, the left was flanked and turned. 
Regiment after regiment was successively broken from 
extreme left to right. An enfilading battery opened 
upon us with canister. Their cartridges exhausted in 
opposing the flanking fire, and mowed down by the 
enfilading canister, our troops began to retreat in dis- 
order through the woods. General Hurlbut rode up to 
Major Stone, and said in a calm, low tone, " I look to 
the 3d Iowa to retrieve the fortunes of this field." 
Those who heard those memorable words will never for- 
get how the general looked then — a calm example of 
heroism amid those thickening disasters. It was an 
occasion which called forth the highest qualities of our 
natures, and told us who were men. Before us the 
enemy's dead strewed thickly over the field, showed us 
what discipline and courage could do. Above us the 
hissing and screaming of missiles ; around us the roar 
of battle rising louder and louder ; assailed in front and 
flank ; the enemy to the left crowding our fugitive troops 
and pressing furiously on our rear ; the troops to our 



224 He collections iviiJi the Third loiua. 

riglit swept back ; we beheld ourselves the left and the 
front of the army — all of those five divisions that re- 
mained unshaken ; and we had heard the words of the 
General committing the fortunes of the day to us. I 
would not write boastingly of my own regiment, nor in 
the least disparage the conduct of the gallant men who 
had fought on other parts of the field. That we still held 
this position was OAving not more to the fact that it had 
proven unassailable to the enemy's infantry, than to 
the heroic conduct of the troops who had fought imme- 
diately on our right and left. I do not on this account 
claim for my comrades a degree of courage which others 
did not possess. I merely state the fact, and challenge 
the successful contradiction of those who have claimed 
the same honor for other regiments, that the 3d Iowa 
was the last regiment of the front line to retreat from 
the position it first occupied. 

Such was the situation around us at half past four in 
the afternoon. Major Stone resolved not to disappoint 
the General, but to hold the position at whatever hazard. 
Our line was withdrawn for better protection a few rods 
from the fence. A part of the 2d Michigan Battery^ 

commanded by the gallant Lieutenant , was yet 

with us. We were assailed by a concentrated fire of 
artillery, — a direct fire from the front, a cross fire from 
the right, and an enfilading fire from the left. General 
Hurlbut again rode up, explained to Major Stone the 
situation, that his right was driven back and his left 
broken, that it was the enemy's fault that our regiment 
was not captured, and ordered the Major to take us to 
the rear. We moved back about three hundred yards 



Recollections ivith tJie Third loiva. 225 

and again faced toward the enemy. Here we came in 
contact with the enemy's infantry, pressing confusedly 
on after the fugitive troops behind our left. We availed 
ourselves of every shelter the ground afforded without 
breaking our line, and engaged him at close range. We 
were yet almost equal to a fresh regiment. He had not 
expected to meet such resistance. The buckshot from 
our smoothbore muskets flew too thickly for him, and 
he recoiled in astonishment. For a few moments the 
field was clear. Looking forward to our old position, 
we beheld the enemy's hated flag floating above the 
house behind which we had rested most of the day. 
Meanwhile we replenished our cartridge-boxes with 
ammunition, which had been previously brought up from 
the rear. 

The enemy again advanced upon us. This regiment 
was the 22d Alabama. We received it as we had done 
the others, at close range. They raised their demoniac 
yell and pressed on at a charging step. They came so 
near that our ofiicers used their revolvers against them. 
But like the others, they recoiled and retreated before 
our thick fire, leaving us masters of the ground. The 
enemy subsequently acknowledged that our range was 
here most perfect, and that this regiment was well nigh 
destroyed in this attempt, and did not again participate 
in the action either day. 

But masses of troops now crowding past our right, 
forced us to another retreat. We fell back about three 
hundred yards and again faced toward the enemy, and 
re-formed our line. Major Stone, in the absence of 
senior ofiicers, had been for some time gallantly fighting 



226 Recollections tvitli the TJihxl loiva. 

his own battle. General Prentiss was now to our riirlit 

o 

with five regiments of Smith's division, endeavoring to 
hold the enemy in check. He rode up to the Major and 
explained to him what he was trying to do — to hold the 
enemy in check, if possible, till the army could again 
form in the rear, or till night should put an end to the 
battle. He asked the Major to assist him, and that our 
regiment should become his left. The Major readily 
assented, and agreed to obey his orders. 

Here, then, if the spectacle of the field was appalling, 
it was sublime. Six regiments disputing the field with 
the enemy's army, and delaying his expected triumph. 
He crowded furiously on, assailing us in front and 
flank, his soldiers howling with mingled exultation and 
rage, their voices rising even above the din of battle. 
He no longer came in lines nor in columns, but in con- 
fused masses, broken in pursuit as our army had been 
in retreat. His missiles swept the field in all direc- 
tions. Our dead fell thickly. Our wounded streamed 
to the rear. We no longer had lines of battle, but fought 
in squads and clusters. The settling smoke obscured 
the vision. Comrades knew not who stood or fell. All 
was confusion and chaos around us. 

A mass of the enemy broke the regiment on our right 
and separated us from Prentiss. We were again com- 
pelled to retreat. We fell back in disorder, keeping up. 
a brisk fire upon the enemy, who pressed on. The Major 
before ordering the retreat had determined to make 
another stand in front of our regimental camp, and 
make his command a nucleus on which the broken 
troops of Prentiss mig]it rally. Ilcaching this position, 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 227 

he sent Adjutant Sessions to form the left, while he in 
person undertook to form the right. The right was 
partially sheltered by a hollow ; the left was on high 
ground and completely exposed. From the latter point 
we for the moment discerned the battle around us. To 
our right and rear as far as the eye could reach, 
through the woods and over the fields — at least a mile, 
our line of battle in full retreat, — infantry, artillery, 
wagons, ambulances, all rushing to the rear — a scene 
of confusion and dismay — an army degenerating into a 
rout. In front of us, partly obscured in smoke, the 
enemy's assailing infantry, while to our left and rear 
his multitudes were pouring through the camp of the 
41st Illinois, and hurrj-ing to cut off our retreat. In a 
few moments he would be full in our rear. It was no 
time to hesitate now. We must run the gauntlet he 
had prepared for us or be captured. We preferred to 
take the chances and run. The left wing gave way and 
ran in disorder through our camp. Passing through it, 
we saw to our late left, masses of the enem}^ very near, 
firing rapidly and rushing towards us with frantic yells. 
On the other side, led by a regim.ent well aligned, he 
was directing himself so as to cut off our retreat. 
Between these two fires we were completely exposed 
and suffered our greatest loss. At no time had we been 
exposed to so thick a fire. More of our men fell within 
the lines of our own regimental camp than anywhere 
else upon the field. Major Stone, retreating last with 
the right wing, crossed the open space between our camp 
and drill ground, and coming again into the woods, ran 
full against a rebel regiment, and with a few men was 



228 Recollections with tlie Third loiva. 

captured. With the exception of those who fell, the rest 
of our regiment escaped. 

Soon after, General Prentiss retreating with the 
remainder of his troops, came upon our camp ground, 
and looking forward, saAV the gap closed through which 
he had hoped to escape. Exposed to a concentrated 
fire from all sides, his regiments completely broken, 
there was no alternative but to surrender. The officer 
who received the surrender of Major Stone, a major of a 
Tennessee regiment, received also that of Gen. Prentiss. 
The regiments captured here were the 8th, 12th, and 
14th Iowa, and the 58th Illinois. 

The capture of General Prentiss affords a most 
striking example of the reward the most meritorious 
conduct may sometimes receive at the hands of public 
opinion. Because he held the field with a handful of 
troops, regardless of the number against him, and finally 
retreated, not to escape danger, but, when he saw 
the enemy surrounding him, to escape capture ; — be- 
cause he was thus willing to sacrifice himself, if neces- 
sary, to hold the enemy in check and save the army, the 
imputation of cowardice was cast upon him and the 
brave men who were captured with him. His fault con- 
sisted alone in not knowing when to retreat ; theirs in 
obeying their general too well. The same imputation 
was cast upon Major Stone, and used against him in 
the late gubernatorial campaign in Iowa, by his politi- 
cal and personal enemies. It is vain to say that a man 
exhibited a lack of courage in a day of battle at its 
close, who, through all its storm from early in the morn- 
ing, had fought so bravely and so well ; — and this, too, 



BecoUections with the Third Iowa. 229 

because he was too tardy in retreat ! But he has since 
triumphed gloriously at Vicksburg, and in the hearts 
of the people of Iowa. 

I have always believed that this effort of General 
Prentiss delayed the enemy an hour, and prevented the 
capture of our army. It was about five o'clock when 
he surrendered. A mile behind him, and near the 
landing, the army was forming its last line of resistance. 
Toward this one point the retreat had converged from 
all parts of the field. Here the troops were crowded 
together in disorderly m.asses. Men were separated 
from their colors, and mixed in inextricable confusion. 
There were no longer any regiments, brigades or divis- 
ions. All was an immense mob — a great rout, halting 
because it could retreat no further. This was the grand 
army which yesterday surveyed itself so proudly ! 
To-night it looked at itself and was appalled. The 
stoutest hearts sickened at the sight. Officers called 
upon their men to rally, but they did not heed them. 
Every one seemed to think that their commands did not 
apply to him. Men looked blankly into each other's 
countenances, and read only their own dismay. But 
the delay of the enemy gave time for reflection, and they 
began to realize their situation. Behind them was an 
impassable river staying their retreat. To plunge into 
it was ignominious death. Before was a victorious foe, 
coming relentlessly on. To face towards him and fight 
was, at least, to die with honor. Many began to be 
seized with this heroic resolution. 

During the day. Captain Madison had with great dif- 
ficulty succeeded in getting four of his siege guns into 



230 RecoUediom with the Tliird loiva. 

position on the bluffs. The remnants of the broken 
regiments had halted and planted their colors near 
them. Stragglers came up and joined them, and by 
deorrees a line of battle 2:rew and extended itself to the 
right. Under the direction of Colonel Webster, chief 
oi staff to General Grant, about thirty pieces of cannon 
were got into position along this line and opened upon 
the enemy. 

For some time we had noticed on the opposite side 
of the river a signal flag and a battalion of cavalry. 
We heard a band of music playing martial airs. A 
strange general was also seen riding with Grant. It 
was he ! — It was Buell ! The news spread and was 
rumored everywhere. " Take courage," our officers 
said. " We will hold them till night ; to-morrow Buell's 
army will be on the field, and we will easily defeat 
them." Nevertheless, we had the gloomiest doubts. 
W^ould his troops be here in time? It was an unheard- 
of thing in this war for our generals to be in time to 
support each other. We were divided between hopes and 
doubts, until Amnion's brigade of Nelson's division 
marched up the hill. 

But we were astonished beyond measure at the 
enemy. When there was no longer anything to oppose 
him, he had halted. He had delayed an hour when 
perseverance alone was necessary to make his victory 
complete. When he could have seized the great prize 
almost without effort, he declined to take it. He, too, 
hesitated at the turning point of his destiny. It was 
his fatality and our salvation. But we did not fully 
understand his situation. His troops had suffered ter- 



RecoTleetions with the Third Iowa. 231 

ribly, as the assailing party ahyays does when the 
assailed fight bravely. They had been broken in the 
pursuit well nigh as badly as we in the rout. Many of 
his men had straggled from their colors and begun to 
plunder our camps. Besides, General Prentiss had 
assured him that we had fortifications near the river. 
These circumstances decided him to re-form his lines 
before making the final assault. Before he could 
accomplish this, night began to close upon the scene. 

Nevertheless, his right wing was thrown forward to 
the river, and moved down against us. But its advance 
was obstructed by an almost impassable ravine, at 
which point the gunboats Tyler and Lexington attacked 
it vigorously. At the same time Amnion confronted 
him with his full battalions ; and beyond him, behind 
our now blazing batteries, a long blue line of infantry 
extended. The enemy halted and limited himself to 
keeping up a furious cannonade. As if out of respect 
to our brave men in front, his missiles almost invariably 
passed over their heads and fell among the disgraceful 
stragglers in the rear. 

Here the scene was humiliating in the extreme. On 
the bottom below the landing and in the ravines leading 
to it, were thousands of stragglers belonging mostly to 
the regiments broken in the morning, whom no efforts 
were available to rally. The enemy's shells burst thick 
and fast among them. The transports not engaged in 
crossing Buell's troops were compelled to anchor in the 
stream or tie to the opposite bank, to prevent being 
loaded down by them and sunk. Some plunged into 
the stream and were drowned, endeavoring to sv/im 



232 Recollections with the Third Iowa, 

across. Others swam the bayou which puts into the 
river below the landing, and hid themselves in the 
woods beyond it. 

A furious artillery duel, our gunboats and siege guns 
joining with their hoarser voices, was kept up until 
nifrht cast its welcome shadows over the scene of horror. 
The moon rose and threw a ghastly light upon the 
field. The roar of battle gave place to the dull sounds 
of moving multitudes in front, and to the noise of trans- 
ports crossing and recrossing continually in the rear, 
save, when at intervals from one of the gunboats, a jar 
of cannon, the noise of a flying projectile, and far to 
the front, the crack of an exploding shell, announced to 
the enemy that we were not yet wholly his. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

The battle on Monday — Defeat of the enemy's right wing — • 
Firmness of the left — Gallant conduct of Gen. Hurlbut— Col. 
Johnson in command of a part of our divided brigade — Vic- 
tory — Flight of the enemy and failure to pursue. 

All night tlie troops of Buell continued to cross. 
Regiment after regiment filed up the hhiff, took posi- 
tion in line of battle, and awaited the dawn of day. 
During the fore part of the night, a moist, warm breeze 
blew from the south. About 10 P. M. the sky was 
overcast, and there began a drizzling, uncomfortable 
rain. Nevertheless, the soldiers, blanketless and w^eary, 
lay down and slept. 

No one who has not experienced it knows with what 
a sleep a soldier sleeps after a great battle. But ours 
was interrupted at regular intervals by the jar of the 
gunboat howitzer, which had been ordered to throw shells 
during the night to annoy the enemy. Thus awakened 
and closing our e^^es again to sleep, we saw in our brain- 
fever all the terrible images of the day's battle — hedges 
of glittering bayonets ; blue masses swaying to and fro • 
and that last appalling image, the army in retreat — 
gigantic even in ruin, sublime in its own dismay. These 
images, flitting ghostlike and without eifort through our 
minds seemed to possess the reality of day. Could I 
have produced them on canvas as I saw them in my 
mind that night, what a panorama it would have been. 
20 233 



234 RecoUeciions tvitJi the TJdrd lozva. 

But the generals could not have slept, they were busy 
with the preparations for the morning's battle. During 
the night two divisions and a part of a third succeeded 
in getting across. Lines of battle grew in the darkness 
and extended themselves over the hills. All expected 
victory. The plan was an admirable one — to turn the 
enemy's right and get possession of the Pittsburg and 
Corinth road, his only line of retreat. But of this of 
course the men knew nothing. Buell's men were as 
w^eary with marching as we with fighting, and all slept. 

The day dawned. Our men arose and awaited the 
order to advance. The enemy, too, began to form his 
lines of battle. To his soldiers, who knew nothing of 
our being reinforced, our capture was expected without 
difficulty. " We will have them by eight o'clock," said 
some. Others thought we would hold out till nine and 
possibly later. Both hosts were full of expectation. 
\Yith what a shock, then, would they join ! Neverthe- 
less the enemy formed his ranks slowly. His officers 
had to use curses and threats to induce the men to 
move with sufficient alacrity. "Weary with yesterday's 
battle, added to their previous fatigues, a stupor clung 
to their limbs which not even a sense of their situation 
could dissipate. 

Suddenly they heard the reports of rifles. Their 
pickets driven in announced the advance of our troops. 
In a moment our infantry confronted them. If the 
earth had sunk under their feet they could not have 
been more stupificd. Batteries mounted the crests of 
the ridges and thundered at them. Lines of skirmishers 
appeared and vanished, followed by full battalions ad- 



Recollections tvith the Tlmd loiva. 235 

vancing at a charge and shouting victory ! victory ! It 
was not possible that the broken host of yesterday had 
renewed its strength and were turning upon them. No, 
Buell was on the fiehl. They realized it immediately, 
expected the worst, and determined to meet the shock 
like men. 

The Fourth Division rested at this time on the bluffs 
as a reserve. We listened with great impatience to the 
noise of battle on the left, and to the frequent reports 
that came to us from that part of the field. The firing 
rose and continued heavily for two or three hours, grow- 
ing the while more and more distant. The end of this 
beginning is known. The enemy fought desperately, 
inflicting upon us heavy loss, but he was forced back 
several miles, losing part of his artillery. By nine 
o'clock his stragglers began to pace through the woods 
towards Corinth, reporting Buell on the field and the 
day lost. By twelve o'clock this part of his lines seems 
to have been pushed nearly to Shiloh Springs, and 
crumbling and streaming through the woods, is said to 
have left the field in rout. Why Buell did not get pos- 
session of the Corinth road is more than the troops who 
subsequently passed over this ground could understand. 
It must have been owing to the stubborn resistance our 
attack met with on the center and right. Here the 
battle rose as soon as it was well in progress on 
the left, and raged heavily and with varying fortunes 
until four o'clock in the afternoon. 

About ten o'clock General Hurlbut was ordered to 
move forward his division and reinforce the right. 
" Here," said the General, looking at his fragments of 



236 Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

battalions, " is what I am ordered to march against the 
enemy." He then ordered the regiments to be counted. 
The 3d loTva numbered one hundred and forty men, and 
First Lieutenant George W. Crosley, as ranking officer, 
was in command. We moved by the flank, the First 
Brigade in advance, and General Hurlbut and Colonel 
Pugh at the head of the column. Thus this remnant 
of the Fourth Division, gallant men whom nothing could 
dismay, led by a general whom in one day they had 
learned to love, again moved forward into the battle. 
Having advanced perhaps a mile, we came within range 
of the enemy's shells, which fell in the rear of our line 
in this part of the field with great rapidity. This firing 
fortunately did us no damage. We reached the point 
w^e were ordered to support, and the division was drawn 
up in front. The battle here raged heavily, and the 
line in front of us which was engaged swayed to and fro. 
To our right and rear, one of our batteries was en- 
gaged with one of the enemy's, a short distance to our 
left and front. The duel they kept up was rapid and 
revengeful. They fired shot and shell, which flew 
directly over our heads and struck and burst behind ua 
and before us. A soldier in our ranks expressed the 
wonder whether the battery on our right was ours or 
the enemy's. A voice from behind him answered, " It 
is ours of course." Looking around us we saw General 
Hurlbut, seated on his horse and smoking calmly. Such 
was the conduct of this brave man. Whatever the dan- 
ger, he kept constantly near his line, inspiring us with 
his presence, and never omitting a word that could en- 
courage his meanest soldier. 



RecoUedions ivitJi the Tlm^d Iowa. 237 

In front of us we could catch glimpses of the battle. 
Kegiments advanced, disappeared in the thick woods, 
and came back in disorder. It was a succession of suc- 
cessful and unsuccessful attacks. Now fortune was 
with us, and now with the enemy. Behind all the 
Fourth Division stood firmly, stayed the retreating 
battalions and held the line. Through all, the enemy's 
battery held its position and kept up its cannonade. 
Its shells seemed omnipresent. Its projectiles falling 
far and near to right and left, scaling the tree tops or 
crashing through their boughs, it seemed to overlook 
the field and talk to the army's whole right wing. 

General Hurlbut several times changed the disposition 
of his line as circumstances seemed to dictate. A regi- 
ment retreating in confusion by the flank, broke through 
it cutting it about the center of our regiment. At this 
precise moment, Col. Pugh began to move the brigade 
to the left. In the noise and confusion, the command 
was not heard by those of the right, and one regiment 
thus separated from the rest; nor was the movement 
known until the left of the brigade had disappeared. 
This portion took position in the reserve line and was 
not engaged during the day. The right of the brigade, 
however, including about forty of our regiment with our 
colors, were to play a very different part. 

Col. Emory K. Johnson, of the 28th Illinois, assumed 
command, and began immediately to advance the line. 
As it moved into more open ground and discovered its 
length, it was evident he had command of a greater part 
of the brigade. Having advanced a considerable dis- 
tance, the line halted and volunteer skirmishers were 



238 Recollectio7is with the Third loiva. 

called for. A sufficient number immediately went for- 
ward and when about a hundred and j&fty yards to the 
front, the line again advanced. The skirmishers soon 
discovered the enemy moving by the left flank along 
our front in the edge of a wide field. At the same time 
skirmishers farther to the left reported him massing 
troops in that direction, with the apparent design of 
flanking us. Col. Johnson immediately took measures 
to meet this movement. He moved his line to the left 
perhaps a quarter of a mile and then changed its direc- 
tion to the front. 

Suddenly we confronted the enemy, standing in com- 
pact line of battle, as if just dressed to begin an ad- 
vance. We halted and both lines began a vigorous and 
steady fire. On our part there was no swaying nor 
straggling. It was a fair stand-up fight, the antagonists 
exposed to view, and deliberately shooting each other 
down. The enemy must have outnumbered us, for his 
right extended some distance beyond our left. It was 
a splendid test of the 7no7^ale of the two forces. Victory 
was with us. We had expended from t^yenty to thirty 
rounds of ammunition, when the enemy's line gave Avay 
and ours followed at a charge. AYe pushed him to the 
edge of a field, over which he fled in disorder, suff'ering 
severely under our fire. A part of a battery fell into 
our hands, around which dead men and horses lay thickly, 
showing how severely it had sufiered. The enemy, 
escaped across the field, and began a feeble fire from the 
opposite side. 

All at once our line was ordered to retreat. It fell 
back rapidly and not without some disorder, and took 



Recollections with the Tliird loioa. 239 

position with the other troops. I have never been able 
to ascertain why tliis retreat was made. At the time it 
was commanded, the enemy's fire was so slight, that 
without its being increased we could have easily crossed 
the field. Neither part of our regiment was engaged 
during the remainder of the day. Fresh troops went 
forward to reinforce the right, and the battle raged 
with unvarying steadiness all along the line, the enemy 
being gradually forced back till about four o'clock, 
when he finally disappeared from the field, and the 
cavalry rode forward with loud shouts to pursue. We 
who knew nothing of the ineffectiveness of cavalry 
against infantry, and especially untrained cavalry, and 
on a timbered field, expected them to perform prodigies 
in disorganizing the retreating enemy. But when we 
learned they had only followed him a short distance, 
picking up a few stragglers, " the man on the horse " 
sunk profoundly low in our estimation. As it was, 
they doubtless did all they could. Breckinridge's 
division covered the enemy's retreat, and presented a 
strong front to them when they approached. 

The soldiers now expected the order to pursue. It 
is now almost useless to inquire why this was not done ; 
but history will demand to know Avhy nearly two months 
of hardship and suffering, including the recall of the 
army of the Mississippi from its theater of successful 
operations, Avas required to force the evacuation of 
Corinth, which might now have been accomplished by 
twenty-four hours vigorous action. General Grant's 
apology for not pursuing the enemy is expressed in his 
official report : " My force was too much fatigued during 



240 Recollections witli the Tliird loiva, 

two days hard fighting, and exposed in the open air to 
a drenching rain during the intervening night, to pursue 
immediately. Night closed in cloudy and with heavy 
rain, making the roads impracticable for artillery by 
the next morning." This statement admits of some 
qualification. None of Buell's army had been engaged 
but one day; and of this but a part of Wood's Division, 
and none of Thomas' had been engaged at all. The 
latter, though greatly fatigued by the long and hurrying 
march they had made to reach the scene of contlict, 
Avere eager to participate in the honors of the occasion, 
and might have been advantageously used in the pursuit. 
At least, were we not as able to pursue as the enemy 
to retreat ? He had suffered as much in fatigue as we, 
and proportionally far more in the losses of the battle. 
He had marched against us expecting everything, and 
had gained nothing but slaughter and defeat. His right 
wing had left the field in rout. His whole army, con- 
scious of our now superior strength and of their utter 
inability to i^ake a stand against us, whatever the 
position they might take, was retreating demoralized 
on a single road which defiled for twenty miles through 
an almost uninterrupted forest, and which w^as now 
almost impassable for his artillery and train. Before 
reaching Corinth his retreat had degenerated into a 
rout, and his army had dissolved into a disorganized 
and straggling multitude. If we may believe the con- 
current accounts of citizens, added to those of his own 
soldiers whom we subsequently captured, such was their 
dismay, that a pursuit conducted with ordinary skill 
and vigor, would have resulted in immense captures of 



Recollections with the Third Iowa, 241 

men and materiel. The enemy succeeded in getting his 
artillery through to Corinth after the night's rain, ^vhich 
General Grant avers made the road impassable for 
artillery. But had this been the case, a successful pur- 
suit could have been made without doubt by infantry 
and cavalry alone. Who then shall say, that, within 
the utmost scope of endurance, General Grant should 
not have pursued as soon as the enemy retreated? 
The soldiers seemed to think so, and murmured because 
it was not attempted. 

Nevertheless, whole regiments dissolved into squads 
and scattered over the field in search of their dead and 
wounded ; and it was not long before the entire field 
was covered with stragglers and plunderers of the dead. 
To put a stop to this, the cavalry was ordered to get up 
a panic among them. They rode frantically over the 
field, circulating the report that the enemy's cavalry was 
upon them. The effect was admirable. In a few min- 
utes the panic communicated itself to all parts of the 
field, and stragglers without number poured through the 
woods toward the river like herds of frightened brutes. 
No one could tell what he was running from. Each saw 
his fellow straggler run and followed him, seized and 
mastered by an indefinable, vague dread. At one point 
an officer, meeting a gang of stragglers, advised them 
to congregate for their safety upon an open field which 
was without a fence ! The simpletons actually followed 
his advice. 

General Sherman pursued the enemy a short distance 
and returned. The men of our regiment, after collect- 
ing then- wounded and most of their dead, assembled at 
21 



242 Recollections with the TJdrd loxva. 

our regimental camp. Through the energy and pru- 
dence of Quartermaster Clark, during the forenoon of 
Monday, our tents had been let down to the ground and 
our baggage hauled to the landing. Thus the former 
were saved from being greatly injured by the missiles 
of the battle, and the latter from capture by the enemy. 
The baggage was not brought up till the next day. We 
divided and ate a little food, put up our tents, and with- 
out covering lay down to rest. With blankets for their 
shrouds our dead comrades lay near us. Scattered over 
the field were thousands of wounded whose sufferings 
we could not alleviate. Under ordinary circumstances 
it would seem that men in this situation would scarcely 
wish to sleep at all. But we slept a sound and joyous 
sleep. 

All night it rained heavily and with scarcely a mo- 
ment's intermission. Storm, darkness and gloom — a 
fitting termination of those two dreadful days. 



CHAPTER XYIII. 

A SURVEY OF THE FIELD — PLUNDERING THE DeAD CIVILIANS 

AND RELIC-SEEKERS — CONGRATULATORY ORDERS — CaMP ON A FIELD 
OF GRAVES. 

Drenched by the rain and without covering, the 
troops of Buell had lain all night on the advance por- 
tions of the field in line of battle. In the morning many 
of them began to discharge their pieces to get the wet 
loads out of them. These reports caused great conster- 
nation among the stragglers in their rear, who fled 
toward the river firing their pieces as if to repeat the 
alarm. For some time we did not heed these noises ; 
but soon hosts of stragglers, most of them armed, began 
to pour through our camp, reporting that the enemy 
was renewing the attack. Our teamsters began to hitch 
up their mules ; our sutler gathered up his books and 
commenced a retreat toward the landing. In a moment 
our regiment was in line. Captain Smith was in com- 
mand. We joined the 32d Illinois on our left and 
stretched our line across the road which ran between 
their camp and ours, thus intercepting the terror-stricken 
herd that poured down it, and compelling them to take 
positions in our ranks. We stacked arms and broke 

ranks as soon as the panic had subsided. 

243 



244 Recollections with the Third loiva. 

During tlie afternoon, I yielded to curiosity, and with 
some comrades took a stroll over the field. From our 
extreme front camps to the river, and for three or four 
miles to right and left, the dead were everywhere to be 
found. Upon the crests of certain hills, in camps and in 
open fields they lay more thickly than elsewhere. One 
could discern with unmistakable certainty on what parts 
of the field the battle had raged with greatest fury. 
Nowhere did the enemy's dead lay so thickly as on the 
open field behind which the First Brigade of the Fourth 
Division had fought on Sunday, and nowhere did our 
own dead lay so thickly as at certain points to the right 
and left of it. 

Soldiers were scattered everywhere over the field, 
some prompted by curiosity, some by a desire to revisit 
some particular spot where his regiment had fought and 
suffered, where some dear comrade had fallen, or where 
he had witnessed while it Avas taking place, some par- 
ticular feature of the battle, and some by a desire to 
plunder the dead. 

For ourselves, we paid particular attention to the 
position our regiment had held for five hours on Sunday. 
*' Here," said we, " we repulsed the charge on the field 
and piled up the enemy's dead. Here Mann's Battery 
engaged the enemy ; here we supported the steel guns 
and here the 2d Michigan. And what a storm was here ! 
And here was our first, and here our second position 
in retreat ; and here we made our last stand, and 

then ". 

The dead presented every possible appearance. Some 
of them looked calm and natural as if taking a quiet 



Recollections willi tlie TJdrd loiva. 245 

sleep ; not a mark of any emotion ; not a distorted line 
in their features. It did not seem possible that these 
men could have fallen in battle. Other countenances 
exhibited traces of rage ; others of fear. One rebel lay 
dead holding a cartridge in his teeth. We noticed that 
the countenances of our own dead seemed much more 
natural than those of the enemy. 

As to the appearance of the wounds which caused 
death, no general idea can be given. Some did not 
seem to be wounded at all, but only asleep. There were 
no traces of violence or injury upon them, except, per- 
haps, the hair in a particular place would be clotted with 
blood. Under it, a buckshot had perhaps penetrated the 
skull. Many were shot in the face, and showed a ball 
hole under the eye or on either cheek, and a pool of 
clotted blood under the head. Many were shot in the 
chest and abdomen. Their bodies were swelled enor- 
mously, and a watery liquid bubbled and gurgled from 
their wounds. Some of their eyes were closed. Others 
lay on their backs, staring an unearthly stare, as though 
the light of a strange world were breaking on them. 
Some bore evidences of having expired in great agony, 
and looked sickening in the extreme. Their eyes were 
grim, their faces yellow and their mouths filled with 
foam. Other bodies were torn to pieces, as if by the 
explosion of a percussion shell. Others were disem- 
bowelled by canister, and beheaded, unlimbed and cut 
in two with solid shot. 

Less than a mile from the landing, five of the enemy's 
dead lay in a row behind a tree. They were evidently 
killed by the same mib;3ile. The skull of the first was 



246 Recollectio7is tvith the Third loiva. 

torn open on one side ; the second was struck in the 
neck, the third in the chest, and so on, as though a 
descending shell had struck them while standing behind 
the tree in a row. Near them were two other bodies 
•which bore evidence of having been killed bj an 
exploding shell. 

After surveying the field and its multitude of dead, 
I returned, sickened, depressed, and disgusted with all 
things. Was it possible that such masses of corruption 
had been the dwelling places of immortal souls ? Could 
spirits inhabit such foul tenements, and then fly to the 
stars ? Such were the temples in which the images of 
God were appointed to dwell, — beautiful, it may be, 
when whole ; but when broken, how monstrous ! I hated 
myself because I was flesh and blood. I could have 
killed myself, had it not been for the thought of becom- 
ing like them. I was equally disgusted with war, with 
peace, with life. I hated peace ; for looking back upon 
it, it seemed cowardly. I hated war ; for it was a work 
of destruction. It was against life, that is to say, 
against God. I hated life ; because it was a scene 
either of war or of peace. For a while it seemed to me 
as though men were made only to play a little, worthless 
game, and then sink into nothingness. To such an 
extent were my feelings depressed, while contemplating 
this sickening scene of hoiTor. 

After the battle came the sad duty of caring for the 
wounded and burying the dead. Late as Tuesday even- 
ing we saw ambulances bringing in the wounded ; and 
Thursday night many of the dead were unburied. It 
must not be supposed that our army thus neglected its 



Recollections ivith the TJtird Iowa. 247 

own dead. It was the first duty with the men of the 
Third low^a to bury their dead comrades. It was done 
as well as circumstances would permit, and head-boards 
were placed at the graves with suitable inscriptions. 
How the wounded were cared for, they and their atten- 
dants best can tell. They were placed upon hospital 
boats, and sent as rapidly as possible to northern hos- 
pitals. Fatigue parties were detailed to bury the enemy's 
dead. After the first day after the battle, this duty was 
anything but agreeable. Immense pits were dug where 
the dead lay thickest, to which the bodies were dragged 
by means of horses and then thrown in and buried. 
Thus were the heroes rewarded with nameless graves. 
But as they had been comrades in peril, they w^ere now 
comrades in their last resting-place. To some of these 
graves our soldiers had placed head-boards. I noticed 
one with an inscription like this : — 

Fourteen Dead Rebels, 
Killed April 6tii and 7th, 
1862. 
On the cotton field where we had fought on Sunday, it 
was said that one hundred and thirty had been buried 
in one of these pits. Most of our regiments buried 
their dead by themselves, thus forming a little regi- 
mental cemetery, around wdiich they built an enclosure. 
The tardiness and carelessness with which the enemy's 
dead were buried was a disgrace to our army. Wednes- 
day afternoon, I saw putrid corpses lying upon an open 
field within ten rods of General Nelson's tent, and in 
plain view of it. 

There were more men ready to engage in plundering 



248 EecoUcctio7is vnlJi the Third loiva 

the dead, than voluntarily to assist in burying them ; — 
hyenas in uniform ; vermin who creep over the field 
of battle by night and rifle the pockets of the slain, — 
"who pull the boots from their feet, and cut off their 
fingers for the rings that are on them ; birds of prey 
too despicable to be classed with buzzards, — who are too 
cowardly to pursue living game ; but who skulk in the 
rear in battle, and when it is over, go forth and plunder 
alike friend and foe, whose arms can no longer strike, 
and whose voices can no longer rebuke them. Crawling 
over the field by night ; skulking through the woods by 
day ; when you meet them they tell you they are in 
search of dead or wounded comrades ; they entertain 
you with tales of their own marvelous exploits in the 
battle. But if you watch them, it will not be many days 
before they will have " trophies " to exhibit, — swords, 
money, watches, jewelry. There is but one way to deal 
with such persons .To give them trial by court martial, 
is to insult discipline and to abuse the service. Mounted 
patrols should be detailed to scour the field after a 
battle, and should shoot without questioning whoever is 
caught plundering the dead. I do not mean to say that 
valuable property should be buried with dead men. But 
the dead should be collected and buried in the usual way, 
and thou* effects retained or disposed of by the proper 
officers for the benefit of the Government. 

After a lapse of a few days, nn army of civilians 
appeared on the field ; — men who had come in search 
of missing friends, or to care for wounded ones, — agents 
of Sanitary Commissions sent to nurse the wounded, 
and having charge of stores for their benefit, who. 



Recollections with the Third loiva. 249 

according to report, lived upon the stores and spent 
their time rambling over the field in search of relics and 
gratifying curiosity. They permeated the Avoods like a 
host of locusts. It -was the especial delight of the boys 
to impose upon them. A soldier would cut a small 
stick, shoot two or three holes in it from his revolver, 
and sell it to one of them for a dollar as a cane cut from 
the battle-field. A soldier found an old, rusty, musician's 
sword, and sold it to a civilian for ten dollars, stating 
that he had captured it from a rebel officer ! Many 
such tricks were practiced both to our amusement and 
profit. 

The battle changed materially the morale of the army. 
It had diminished our inclination to boast. If it 
had not taught us to respect ourselves less, it had 
taught us to respect our enemies more. It diminished 
our confidence in General Grant, and greatly increased, 
it in General Ilurlbut. From the former, a general 
without experience and an army equally so, it is true 
we could not reasonably expect more than tolerable 
management. But he had allowed an immense army 
to march upon him and surprise him, and that surprise 
had entailed upon us defeat, and, to a certain degree, 
dishonor. The conduct of the latter won our unbounded 
admiration. We had expected nothing of him ; he had 
done everything for us. If the country did not know 
it, we nevertheless felt it — that the Fourth Division un- 
der his leadership had covered itself with glory. 

On Sunday the enemy had beaten us by superiority 
of numbers, by having his plans laid and his dispositions 
for the battle made without our knowledge, and without 



250 Recollections ivith the Third loioa. 

any interruption from us, and, finally, by the advantage 
gained in the attack being a complete surprise to us. 
Of these, his advantage in superiority of numbers is the 
only one that has been questioned. The most moderate 
estimates from the enemy's side have placed his force 
at about forty thousand. No one who knows that our 
army was so much reduced by sickness and other causes 
that not more than half the men borne on its rolls were 
available for the line of battle, will believe that we had 
more than thirty thousand actually engaged. I have 
no doubt, that in the afternoon the enemy opposed us 
on the lelt with two to one. We believed that this battle 
had demonstrated the superiority of the enemy's gene- 
rals ; but at least the equal braver}^ of our own troops. 
His prisoners admitted that they had not imagined we 
would fight so well. AVe told them in reply that we 
■were all Americans, the only difference between us 
being of ideas and education. If we were to believe 
what the newspapers at home said of us, we were both 
heroes and cowards. We knew that if we had achieved 
nothing splendid, we were at least victors. Though we 
knew that we had not won much glory, we felt that we 
had merited much more than we had won. On the 
whole, we Avere disposed to rejoice, not so much on 
account of the bare victory we had gained, as that the 
army had escaped, though narrowly, from the utter ruin 
which hung over it. 

Finally, the following orders of thanks and congratu- 
lation came, tlie two latter of which, and particularly 
the one of Governor Andrew, brought tears to the eyes 
of stout soldiers as they were read on parade : — 



Recollections with the Third Iowa, 251 

Headquartees, Department of the Mississippi, 
Pr 

General Orders, 



Pittsburgh, Tenn., April 15th, 1862. / 



No. 16. 



} 



The Major General commanding the Department 
thanks Major Generals Grant and Buell, and the officers 
and men of their respective commands, for the bravery 
and endurance ^vith which they sustained the general 
attacks of the enemy on the sixth, and for the heroic 
manner in which, on the seventh, they defeated and 
routed the whole rebel army. The soldiers of the West 
have added new laurels to those which they had already 
won on numerous fields. 

While congratulating the troops on their glorious 
success, the General commanding desires to enjoin upon 
all officers and men the necessity of greater discipline 
and order. These are as essential to the success as to 
the health of the army, and without them we can not 
long expect to be victorious ; but with them we can 
march forward to new fields of honor and glory, till this 
wicked rebellion is completely crushed out, and peace 
returned to our country. 



By command of Major General Halleck, 
(Signed) N. H. McLean, A. A. G. 



252 Recollections with the Third Iowa, 



Headquarters, District of West Tennessee, 1 



April 10th, 1863. 



General Orders, 
No. 34. 



} 

The General commanding congratulates the troops 
who so gallantly sustained the attack, repulsed and 
routed a numerically superior force of the enemy, com- 
posed of the flower of the Southern army, and fought by 
them with all the desperation of despair. In numbers 
engaged no such contest ever took place on this conti- 
nent. In importance of result, but few such battles 
have taken place in the world. 

Whilst congratulating the brave and gallant soldiers, 
it becomes the especial duty of the General command- 
ins: to make mention of the brave wounded and those 
killed on the field. Whilst they leave friends and 
relatives to mourn their loss, they have won a nation's 
gratitude, and undying laurels, not to be forgotten by 
future generations, who shall enjoy the blessings of the 
best Government the sun ever shone upon, preserved 
by their valor. 

By command of Major General Grant, 

(Signed) JonN A. Rawlins, A. A. G. 



Recollections with the Third loiva. 253 



Headquakters, Department of the Mississippi, 1 
Camp Pittsburgh Landing, April 19tli, 1862. J 

General Orders, 1 
No. 17. j 

The following General Order of the Governor and 
Commander-in Chief of the Commonwealth of Massa- 
chusetts, has been received and is published to the 
Military and Naval forces of this Department : — 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, \ 
Headquarters, Boston, April 10th, 1862. J 

General Orders, 
No. 6. 

In honor of the most signal victories recently won 
by the soldiers of the Union in the Department com- 
manded by Major General Halleck, under the immediate 
leadership of Major Generals Pope, Grant and Buell, 
and by the sailors and marines commanded by Flag 
Officer A. H. Foote, and as a humble expression of the 
grateful joy with which the splendid results of the 
heroic valor, energy and good conduct of these com- 
manders, their officers and men, is received by their 
brethren and fellow citizens of Massachusetts, it is 
ordered by the Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the 
Militia of Massachusetts, that a salute of one hundred 
guns be fired on Boston Common, to-morrow, the 11th 
day of April current at noon. 

Not even the cannon's mouth can loudly enough 
proclaim the debt which our country, human liberty, 
and civilization itself, owe to those noble men of the 



254 Recollections untJi the Third loiua. 

West, who have met the angriest torrents of the rebel- 
lion, and rolled its waves back upon its depths. The 
heart of every son of Massachusetts leaps to salute 
them and do them homage. 

Major General Andrew, commanding First Division, 
is charged with the execution of this order. 

By command of His Excellency John A. Andrew, 
Governor and Commander in Chief. 

William Schoulder, Adjutant General. 

By command of Major General Halleck, 

N. H. McLean, A. A. G. 

Headquarters Fourth Division, \ 
Pittsburgh, Tenn., April 9th, 1862. j 



} 



General Orders, 
No. 20. 

The General commanding tenders his heartfelt 
gratitude to the surviving officers and men of this 
Division, for their magnificent service during the two 
days struggle which under the blessing of God has ter- 
minated in victory. 

Let this Division remember that for five hours on 
Sunday, it held under the most terrific fire, the key 
point of the left of the army, and only fell back when 
flanked by overwhelming masses pressing through points 
abandoned by our supports. Let them remember that 
when they fell back it was in order, and that the last line 
of resistance in rear of the heavy guns was formed by 
this Division. Let them remember that on the morning 



Recollections ivith the Tliird loiva, 255 

of ]\Ionclay, without food and without sleep, tney were 
ordered forward to reinforce the right ; and that where- 
ever either brigade of this division appeared on the field,, 
they were in time to support broken flanks and hold the 
line. Keep these facts before your memories to hand 
down to your children when we conquer a peace, and 
let it be the chief pride of every man of this command, 
as it is of your General, that he was at Pittsburgh with 
the Fio'htinor Fourth Division. 

By order of Brigadier General Hurlbut, 

Smith D. Atkins, A. A. G. 

But when we looked through the ranks of our regi- 
ment and surveyed our losses, there was left us little 
room for joy or congratulation. Of the four hundred 
and fifty who had marched into the battle under our flag 
on Monday morning, twenty-eight were killed, and over 
two hundred were killed, wounded and missing. Of our 
officers. Stone was captured ; Hobbs was killed ; O'Niel, 
Knight, Merrill and Wayne were wounded and cap- 
tured ; and Trumbull, Ogg, Weiser, Tullis and Hammill 
were wounded. In addition to this, Williams, whom we 
claimed was disabled while commanding the brigade, and 
while doing his duty bravely and well. Many regiments 
of the diff'erent divisions had suff'ered as much, and some 
perhaps more than ours. It was a poor satisfaction 
that the enemy's dead outnumbered our own. The 
only joy we could derive from a knowledge of his sufl'er- 
ings Avas that it would diminish his strength for the next 
battle. The field attested that his killed outnumbered 
ours by at least one-third. But his prisoners in our 

233 



256 Recollections with the Third loiva. 

hands asserted tliat their dead in proportion to their 
wounded was unusually large. When both sides of the 
question shall have been fully heard in reference to this 
great battle, it will be believed that the aggregate losses 
of the two contending forces were very nearly equal.* 

Adding together our own and the enemy's dead, and 
including those who died of wounds and disease, at least 
four thousand men were buried on the field of Shiloh. 
And here, breathing a foul atmosphere, drinking a 
sickening water, and surrounded by loathsome and 
gloomy associations, we remained for three weeks — in 
camp on a field of graves. 

^•" I have been unable to obtain the official report of this battle 
by our regimental commander, and through fear of making invi- 
dious comparisons, have refrained from mentioning the names of 
certain officers and men whose bravery was especially conspicuous. 
Among iliese, Trumbull, Knight, Crossley and Lakin sustained in 
a splendid manner on the first day's field, the reputation they had 
won at Blue Mills. Lieutenant Crossley was called to command 
the regiment late in the afternoon of Sunday, and from that time 
till Monday, did his duty with a degree of heroism which merits 
the life-long, honored gratitude of every member of our regiment. 
He rose with every occasion ; and amid the severest shocks, and 
heaviest disasters, no one seemed so capable of inspiring men as 
he. Trumbull acted as field officer, and was conspicuous for his 
cool gallantry till in the afternoon of Sunday, when he was 
wounded by a shell and compelled to quit the field. Sergeant 
Lakin bore the colors the first da^^ with a bravery nowhere sur- 
passed ; but during the night he was taken severely ill, and was 
unable to carry them the second day. In his absence Corporal 
Anderson Edwards tilled his place in a manner which can not be 
too highly praised. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Preparations to advance on Corinth — Morale of army and 

SANITARY CONDITION ADVANCE TO ShILOH SPRINGS — INSPECTION 

BY General J Advance to Pea Eidge — Gov, Yates — 

PicKi^r skirmishing — Battle of Kusselville House — Arrival 
OF Col. Scott — A night on picket in the face of the enemy — 
-THE EVACUATION AND OCCUPATION OF COEINTH. 

Meanwhile the enemy entrenclied at Corinth ; Gen. 

Halleck arrived at Pittsburg Landing and assumed 

command of the army in person, and preparations were 

made for an advance. The troops of the two corps 

moved out and camped in line, Buell to the left of Grant. 

The Army of the Mississippi, called from its operations 

before Fort Randolph to reinforce us, disembarked at 

Hamburg and took post as the left corps of the army, 

thus throwing Buell in the center and Grant on the 

right. Grant was second, Buell third in command. 

McClernand and Wallace's divisions were detached as 

the reserve of the army under McClernand. Immense 

supplies were collected, and large quantities of clothing 

were issued to the troops. Those of the sick, who, in 

the opinion of the medical officers, would not be fit for 

duty in thirty days, were sent to the hospital boats and 

thence to northern hospitals. Fatigue parties under 

commissioned officers were detailed each day to repair 

and construct roads in the rear of the army. 

22 257 



258 Recollections with the Third loiva. 

The sanitary condition of the army was anything but 
flattering. Of our own regiment which, so far as we 
could hear, was a tvpe of all the rest, very few were 
even in tolerable health. Fevers and camp diarrhoea 
filled the hospitals to overflowing ; the sick lists in- 
creased rapidly ; and the great extent to which the army 
was weakened in numbers by sickness, became a just 
source of alarm. It became painfully evident, too, that 
its morale was being greatly impaired by the same cause. 
For disease weakens the mind as well as the bod}^ ; 
lingering, obtuse pains bring on a state of settled melan- 
choly ; the approaching heats of summer afforded no 
hope of an improvement in our sanitary condition ; and, 
besides, we were beyond the reach of home comforts and 
the ministrations of bosom friends. It will not be sur- 
prising, then, that many good soldiers were possessed 
of a homesickness — a desire to be sent home on furlough 
or discharged, that amounted almost to a mania. 

But if the troops were not buoyant in spirit, they 
were nevertheless determined. A beaten enemy was 
before us ; we knew the responsibility upon us ; and 
with what expectations the country looked to us ; we 
had no reason to distrust the capacity of our command- 
ing general. Under such circumstances, cravens would 
scarcely wish to turn back. In addition to this, it is 
plain to all that there was a spirit of rivalry between 
the army of the Tennessee and that of the Ohio. The 
latter army had come upon the field of Shiloh as a rein- 
forcement, and had surprised and assisted in defeating 
an exhausted enemy ; and for this, popular opinion at 
the North, forgetting Donelson and the bloody struggle 



Recollections ivitli the Third Iowa, 259 

of April 6th, inquiring not into causes, but looking 
only at results, had, with a degree of stupidity and 
injustice to which the age affords no parallel, awarded 
to them the greater share of glory. The army of the 
Tennessee, from its highest officers to its meanest 
soldiers, felt the slight most keenly, and resolved to 
equal at Corinth, with their decimated battalions, all that 
Euell could do with his full ones. The army of the 
Tennessee, having suffered reverses and finally tri- 
umphed in tsvo great battles, had learned well the 
character of its foes, and that nothing could be achieved 
over them except by steady and persistent bravery. 
They knew their enemy, and how to fight him. They 
had already become veterans. The same may be said 
to a certain extent of the army of the Ohio. Those of 
this army who had not been engaged at Shiloh, together 
with the army of the Mississippi, which, without a test 
of its valor, had accomplished by endurance and the 
skill of its leader alone, by far the most brilliant exploit 
of the war, longed to win for themselves that which the 
other troops of the army possessed, the glory which 
alone is won in battle ; and hence, though perhaps less 
reliable and much more enthusiastic, they welcomed the 
expected conflict with joy. 

Near the middle of April, Grant and Buell moved out 
and camped in line. Toward the end of the month the 
general advance commenced. Let us now dismiss our 
observations concerning the army, the great whole of 
which, we, the Third Iowa, were but a little part, and 
turn to our regiment, brigade and division ; for here we 
were at home and among comrades, now scarcely less 



260 Recollections with the Tldrd Iowa, 

in our regiment than in our division, where all followed 
and had faith in a common leader, and had a common 
glory won and to win. 

Captain Smith was in command of our regiment. 
The Third Brigade had been discontinued, and General 
Lauman was assigned to the command of the First 
Brigade. 

April 24th, the division broke up camp and moved 
forward to Shiloh Springs, where it camped with McCler- 
nand on its right, Sherman on its left, and Wallace in 
the rear. The camp of our regiment was on a beautiful 
open field, a quarter of a mile to the rear of the Springs. 
We found here in a block house a rebel hospital, and 
near our camp the brush and saplings were cut down so 
as to form a sort of abattis. This had been done by 
the enemy in his retreat. The improvement in air and 
water, scenery and associations, rendered our change of 
camp highly beneficial. 

Here for the first time since landing at Pittsburg we 
began to do picket duty. This duty was no unimportant 
part of the details of the advance upon Corinth. Each 
division picketed its own front under a division picket 
oflicer. Our brigade furnished each day for picket 150 
men with the proper complement of officers. The picket 
line was here about a mile and a half in advance of the 
camps. Our infantry picket line, unless circumstimces 
determined otherwise, was aimed to be disposed as fol- 
lows : One half in reserve ; the other half in a line 
composed of squads of six men each under a non-com- 
missioned officer, one hundred and fifty yards in ad- 
vance of the reserves. Each of these squads was divided 



RecoUedions ivith the Third loiva. 261 

into three reliefs of two men each, and a chain of sen- 
tries, two at a post, stationary and as much as possible 
concealed from view, was kept up still in advance. Be- 
yond all on the roads were the cavalry videttes. Here, 
though the picketing was sometimes badly, and even 
shamefully performed through the negligence of officers, 
we were learning for the first time since being in the ser- 
vice to do picket duty well. Our picket line thus admira- 
bly formed was a complete safeguard against surprise, 
and was so strong that it would have resisted the enemy 
long enough for the troops in the rear to form line of 
battle before being attacked. A similar picket line 
before the battle of Shiloh would have done much to 
prevent the disastrous surprise of Sunday morning. It 
was estimated that throughout the army not less than 
ten thousand men were detailed for picket duty each 
day. 

The degree of pleasure we took in this w^ork depended 
greatly upon circumstances — the officers in command, 
the character of the country where we were posted, the 
state of the weather, and the degree of vigilance neces- 
sary to be kept up. I have a vivid recollection of a 
day on picket in front of Shiloh Springs. Capt. Wright, 
53d Illinois, was picket officer for the brigade that day. 
He posted the men admirably ; he impressed upon them 
by words and manner the responsibility of the position, 
and maintained throughout the entire tour a degree of 
vigilance wdiich it was really a lesson to contemplate. 
Not a man even in the brigade reserve was allowed to 
take off his accoutrements or sleep day or night. It 
"was a delightful day, a soft breeze blowing and the sun 



262 Recollections ivitJi the Third Iowa, 

warm. Notliing of the offensive effluvia of the camps ; 
but the "woods all fragrant and green and unmangled by 
the axes of soldiers. None of the constant and weari- 
some clamor of voices as in the camps ; but a quiet 
siesta under the shady oaks, breathing the sweet air, 
and hearing only the birds, and the distant bands dis- 
coursing martial airs. During the day the detail from 
the 3d Iowa was in reserve. We were allowed to kindle 
in a hollow a small fire over which to cook our coffee 
and fry our bacon. We had long since learned to ask 
for nothing better than pilot bread, and that a piece of 
meat broiled on a stick or in the ashes, is as sweet as 
when cooked in a pan. One or two unlucky porkers 
strayed close to us, and were covertly put out of the 
way. Of course the good old captain was sure not to 
know how we got the fresh meat we had for dinner. 
Could we be blamed for that ? — we who so lono- had 
tasted nothing better than salt bacon and hard crack- 
ers ? Certainly not. The old captain, whatever his 
suspicions might have been, did not object to a slice 
himself. Toward evening, our good friend, General 
Hurlbut, always ready to give us good news when it 
came, but never particular about publishing any that 
was bad, sent an orderly to read to us a dispatch that 
Tarragut had captured New Orleans. We were not 
allowed to cheer, but it seemed as though there would 
no end to our rejoicing. So great was our joy that we 
endured almost with a gusto the drenching rain that set 
in about dark, when we took position in the advanced 
line. Still we could have rejoiced full as well in our 
dry tents. For in Tennessee " when it rains it pours." 



RecoUedioyxs with fJie Third loiva. 263 

The air is full of rain. The clouds break away until 
you can see the stars through them, and still it rains. 
But to-night the clouds nowhere broke away, but hung 
over us, the rain pouring down without interruption till 
gray morning. Of course we were not allowed to kindle 
fires in the night, especially upon the advanced line. 
We had no artificial shelters, and were compelled to 
stand up and — let it rain. At daylight we were relieved 
and put in reserve, and at ten o'clock the new guard 
marched up, and we returned to camp. 

April 27th, the 1st Brigade was reviewed and in- 
spected by Brig. Gen. J , Inspector General for the 

Army of the West. This officer was a model in his way. 
His dress and horse equipments looked splendid. He 
looked altogether out of place. It was the parade gen- 
eral, gorgeously dressed, without a speck of dirt upon 
his horse or uniform. His almost beardless face white 
and delicate as thouo-h he had been raised in a band- 
box, coming among a host of sunburnt soldiers on active 
duty, whose guns were rusty on the outside from ex- 
posure in constant rains, and whose single suit of 
clothing, greasy from handling and cooking rations, 
and dirty from wading and sleeping in the mud, fell far 
short of his standard of soldierly appearance. His 
look, so imperious and haughty, was sufficient to set us 
to hating him from the first. We could not but observe 
that he never turned his head, but only his eyes, to 
look at us, and that when our colors passed him in 
review, he did not uncover his head as our own generals 
were wont to do, but only slightly lifted his hat. Still 
he went through his work with a rapidity and precision 



264 Recollections witli the TJiird loiva. 

■which astonished us, and left upon us the impression 
that he was a valuable officer to the service, and an 
extraordinary man in his way. 

April 30th, we had just finished our monthly inspec- 
tion, when orders came for the division to advance. 
Leaving our sick behind and taking all our baggage, 
we moved on the main Corinth road about five miles to 
the southwest. We passed on the way wagons, cais- 
sons, knapsacks, clothing, and other evidences of the 
enemy's retreat. We also passed a dilapidated log 
building house, and near it a deserted rebel camp, full 
of tents, destroyed commissary stores, clothing, and 
camp equipage, everything indicating a hasty evacua- 
tion. We camped on w^iat is known as Pea Ridge, a 
high backbone of country, four miles from Sliih^h 
Springs and nine from Pittsburg Landing. From this 
commanding eminence we could look around us over a 
wide space of country. The whole army was advancing 
in columns, moving upon different roads. The hour of 
expected bloody work was drawing nigh. . Sherman 
with the 5th Division had the honor of forming the right 
of the army. With twelve regiments of infimtry and 
one of cavalry he had the enormous complement of nine 
batteries of artillery. lie Avas now camped on the Cor- 
inth road a short distance beyond us, while McClernand 
and Wallace were about two miles in our rear. 

Our camp was dry and air}^, and the water was passa- 
ble. We constructed ovens of chxy ; for a part of our 
bread ration was now drawn in flour, and it took us 
some time to learn to accommodate ourselves to the use 
of the iron bake-kettle of which the deserted camp we 



RecoUedions ivitli the TJdrd Iowa. 265 

had just passed furnislied a goodly supply. These 
ovens Avere constructed by driving four crotches into 
the ground, and upon these placing two sticks, upon 
which was laid a floor of short poles. Upon this we 
piled a compact layer of clay mortar eight or ten inches 
thick. Then a flour barrel, open at the top and with a 
hole about six inches square cut in the side near the 
other end, was laid upon this with the hole upward 
where the chimney would be built, as a support for the 
sofc clay. As soon as this was completed and the 
chimney built, a fire would be kindled in the barrel, 
and as soon as it had burned out and the staves fallen 
in, the clay would be sufiiciently dry to support itself. 
These ovens subserved their purpose excellently, and 
furnished many a meal of warm biscuit and light bread, 
such as reminded us of home. We had begun to fix up 
our tents, too — to construct hickory bark cots ; for here 
we could get no boards — and to get ourselves in shape 
to be comfortable, when up came another order for the 
division to advance next morning. May 4th, at 7 o'clock. 
Those of the sick who would be unable to do duty in 
ten days were to remain behind under charge of a medical 
officer. But three tents to the company were to be 
taken — one for the ofiicers and two for the men. We 
were to take three days' cooked rations in haversacks. 
About 4 P. M. of the 3d, while we were making pre- 
parations for the march, a cannonade commenced three 
or four miles to the south and continued for over 
an hour with rapid and sharp discharges. It was 
said to be Pope's Parrott guns shelling the enemy 
out of Farmino-ton. This seemed ominous of some- 
23 



266 Recollections tvitli the Third loiva. 

thing to come. But we continued our preparations 
undisturbed. 

The morning was heavy with clouds, and the column 
was scarcely in motion when a drizzling rain set in. 
We first passed through the camp of Sherman, just 
evacuated. We noticed that much commissary and 
sutler's stores had been abandoned, which we after- 
wards learned were appropriated and made good use 
of by the sick we had left behind. Here we left the 
Corinth way and bore more to the right. Near the 
late camp of the 6th Iowa, we noticed a short line of 
rifle pits which had been dug by that regiment. It was 
an insignificant work, but it was the first we had seen 
in Tennessee since landing at Pittsburg. It had been 
made to protect the right wing of Sherman's line. It 
shook our confidence in our efiiciency against the enemy 
we were to encounter. It almost made us afraid. Still 
we could not but regard it as a wise precaution. We 
moved slowly, constructing bridges and corduroy roads 
as we advanced. Late in the afternoon, we passed 
through Monterey, a town of one or two houses, dig- 
nified by being built on a hill. About a mile beyond 
we went into camp. The roads were almost impassable. 
Our teams foundered and our wagons sunk to the hubs 
in the mud. I could conceive of no situation more un- 
enviable than that of teamster that day. It was really 
noon the next day before our baggage was able to arrive. 
Wet and fatigued, we made us beds of leaves, wrapped 
up in our blankets, and passed Avithout other covering a 
night of incessant rain. 

The following day we had pitched our tents, dried our 



Recollections ivith the Tliird Iowa. 267 

clotlies, and commenced building ovens and cooking 
fresh rations, when an order came to march that night 
or in the morning. Next morning at eight o'clock we 
loaded our baggage and again moved forward. We 
passed Sherman's yesterday camp along the right of 
which, and fronting to the west, was a line of rifle pits 
defended by an abattis. Just as we had got beyond 
these works, McLean's division marched up and occu- 
pied them. After proceeding about two miles, the 
division w^as deployed in line facing toward the south, 
and we thus went into car^p. 

- The single day that we stayed here was marked by 
two incidents, the news of the evacuation of Yorktown, 
which gave us great joy, and the affectionate farewell 
of Mr. Fox, our legitimate sutler. This man had first 
joined us at Chillicothe, Missouri. He had been allowed 
by our different regimental commanders to neglect and 
abuse the functions of his office most shamefully. He 
had never consulted our wants, but his own profit and 
convenience. When we had money and he competition, 
he sold reasonably ; but when we were without money 
or were where we could buy of no one but him, he 
charged exorbitant prices for his goods. On the 
march or transport, and after hard marches or long 
movements, w^hen we needed a sutler most, we were 
sure to be without one. When we had been some days 
in camp at Pittsburg Landing, he had joined us with a 
meager stock, having left most of his goods with his. 
partner who had established a store at Savannah. 
When we broke up camp here and advanced, he found 
it more convenient to remain behind and sell to 



268 Recollections witli the Third loiua. 

transient customers than to follow us immediately. 
At this point, however, he came up with an ox-wagon 
loaded with goods, pitched a small tent and opened 
shop. A party of the boys immediately gathered about 
his tent and testified their esteem for him, and their 
admiration for the course he had taken, by cutting his 
tent ropes and carrying off about a hundred dollars 
worth of goods, to which all their comrades said " Amen." 
Here our benefactor left us, after exchanging with us 
the most complimentary adieus. The next time we 
heard of him, he was "relieved from duty," and in 
" close confinement " among a lot of butternut prisoners 
near the Landing, for being too great an admirer of 
a horse that belonged to one of General Halleck's 
orderlies. 

This night we slept on our arms, and moved forward 
in the morning, May 7th, at eight o'clock. While the 
division was moving out, the Third Iowa in lead. Gov. 
Yates of Illinois rode up with his staff. General Lau- 
man halted the brigade. Captain Smith announced 
" Governor Yates, the man who takes good care of his 
soldiers," and the Third Iowa responded with three 
loud and hearty cheers. General Lauman then turned 
to the Governor and addressed him with a few affecting 
remarks, telling him how much gratitude the soldiers 
of Iowa owed the State of Illinois — how her sanitary 
agents had ministered to their wants and comforts, and 
how, when at Cairo, the 7th Iowa was without blankets 
and clothing, the Quartermaster of Illinois generously 
supplied them. The Governor responded, that if Illinois 
had done her duty in this war, Iowa had also done hers. 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 269 

Side by side they had stood in the great contest — side 
by side their soldiers had fought on numerous fields — 
and side by side they would continue to stand and fight, 
until the national flag should float over the whole 
national domain. Whatever Illinois had done for Iowa 
she had done for the country and the cause ; it was no 
more than a patriotic duty, and as such required no 
thanks. The Governor rode away amid another out- 
burst of applause. I noticed, among his staff", the fami- 
liar countenance of my old teacher, Professor Pope, of 
Black River Seminary, now a paymaster in the army. 
Having moved forward about two miles and a half, the 
division formed line facing to the south, stacked arms 
and began rapidly to fell the timber and construct an 
abattis in front of our position. Here our pickets first 
came in contact with those of the enemy, and a picket 
skirmish began, which was kept up day and night until 
we entered Corinth. It was reported that there was 
encamped a short distance ahead of us a detachment of 
the enemy with four pieces of cannon. The following 
afternoon a part of the picket force belonging to other 
regiments of the brigade, ran in a panic and reported 
the enemy advancing. The enemy's cavalry had indeed 
attacked the picket line and a sharp skirmish was taking 
place. The di^ummer sounded the long roll, and the 
regiments formed line. Generals Hurlbut and Lauman 
rode past our regiment as we stood in ranks, and we 
presented arms to them. General Hurlbut took off* his 
hat as he passed our flag, and said to Captain Smith : 
*' Captain, I hope you'll get another inscription on your 
flag to-day." The Captiin responded, " There is room 



270 Recollections witli the Third Iowa. 

for two or three more, General." When the cause of 
the aharm was ascertained, we stacked arms, and every 
man was ordered out to dig fortifications. Before night 
our position AYas covered by a passable line of rifle 
pits. 

The following day was Sunday. There was a lull in 
the picket firing as though both parties respected it as 
a day of rest. Religious services were held in the 
camps of the regiments near us. Fatigue parties were 
kept at work on the rifle pits; but as the day was hot 
and sultry, little was done besides building before their 
exterior slopes a hedgework of brush and fallen tree 
tops. Each day brought the expected battle nearer to 
us. We were ready for it. It was while here that 
orders from General Hurlbut announced the capture of 
Norfolk Navy Yard, the destruction of the Merrimac, 
and the destruction of the rebel flotilla at Fort Pillow. 
It seemed that success was crowning our arms every- 
where, and that the decisive victory in the West rested 
with us and depended upon our valor. We would 
achieve it. Such was the spirit of the entire army. 
Even the off'cnsive-defensive policy General Halleck 
was now pursuing did not discourage us. We were 
equally ready to dig ditches or to attack the enemy. 

On the 14th we again broke up camp and moved a 
mile to the front, the enemy's pickets retiring before us. 
AVe reached our new position about 5 P. M., and before 
ten our position was covered by as good a line of works 
as we had left. It was astonishing to see with what 
alacrity the soldiers worked. They did not stop to 
consider the necessity of fortifying when the enemy's 



Recollections with the Third Iowa, 271 

works were more than five miles from them. The 
General had taken this way to drive the enemy from 
Corinth. Everything depended upon our prompt obe- 
dience and vigorous co-operation. 

Next day also we moved a short distance and en- 
trenched abreast of Sherman. Here the battle of the 
pickets grew more severe than ever, and began to be 
varied by frequent cannonading on different points of 
the line. We were kept in constant readiness for a 
momentary collision with the enemy — slept on our 
arms, had reveille at three o'clock in the morning, and 
- were frequently ordered into line. 

May 17th, orders were issued to cook two days' 
rations and be ready again to move. The enemy, 
posted in a block house known as Russell's House, had 
annoyed our pickets greatly, and in order to advance 
the picket line, it became necessary to dislodge him. 
For this purpose our regiment, the 32d Illinois, and a 
section of Mann's Battery of Hurlbut's Division, went 
forward in conjunction with a force from Sherman's. 
Mann opened vigorously upon the position for a short 
time, when the 8th Missouri, of Sherman's Division, 
attacked and carried it at the point of the bayonet, 
losing a large number in killed and wounded. By this 
feat this gallant regiment made itself a name among us 
second to none with which w^e had ever been associated. 
We returned to camp about 9 P. M., and in the night 
received orders to move in the morning with rations in 
haversacks ; but they were countermanded and we did 
not move. 

At this camp, Colonel Scott joined us. All welcomed 



272 Recollections tvilJi the Third loiva. 

him joyfully, and regretted that the state of his health 
would not permit him to resume command. 

May 21st, the right wing of the Army of the Ten- 
nessee, commanded by Major General Thomas, was 
ordered to move forward. AYhile the Fourth Division 
was advancing, General Davies' artillery shelled back 
the enemy's outposts in front of his division. Two bat- 
teries were said to be engaged. The discharges Avere 
rapid and sharp, and as they broke upon us so near 
while we were marching to the front, seemed to have a 
grim significance. The First Brigade halted on a com- 
manding ridge and began to throw up works. By a 
miscalculation of distance, there was not room for the 
2d Brigade to form between our left and Davies' right. 
General Veatch accordingly posted tAVO of his regiments, 
the 25th Indiana and 15th Illinois, to the right of the 
1st Brigade. Before night, a continuous line of works, 
capable of resisting field artillery, protected our division 
front. In the afternoon, in addition to the usual picket 
firing and cannonading, a brisk skirmish had taken 
place a short distance to our front. The enemy's 
cavalry, as report had it, appeared in Federal uniform 
and was driven off. Sherman's line was about half a 
mile in advance of Hurlbut's, his left covering our 
right. 

This night I had my first experience of picketing in 
the face of the enemy. After Avorking hard all day, my 
company was detailed for picket. Captain (then Lieu- 
tenant) Swank was in command, and Lieutenant Lakin 
was Avith us. Our division picket line extended around 
a very large cotton field of irregular shape, and formed 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 273 

a sort of semicircle, the center retired and the flanks 
connecting with Davies on the left and Sherman on the 
right. Our position was on the most retired part of this 
line, along a little brook, the cotton field being in front 
of us. A quarter of a mile in advance of us and to our 
right, and joining this field on its southwest corner, was 
the left of Sherman's line of works, upon which his men 
were at work till nearly midnight, felling trees, drag- 
ging together logs, and banking up the dirt, with the 
most boisterous sounds of mirth and glee. Immediately 
across this field, in a dense thicket, the enemy had a 
picket post, which, strange enough, he had been allowed 
to maintain very near to Sherman's flank, and from 
which he had skirmished all day with his pickets, across 
the field. Where we were posted, the line was crowded 
together and very strong. The posts of eight or ten 
men each were but four or five rods apart. A strong 
reserve Avas in our rear. The captain threw out videttes 
and made dispositions for the night, and then most of 
us went to sleep. I had lain by the side of Lieutenant 
Jimmy, and endeavoring to derive a little consolation 
from the warmth of his body and the flap of his blanket, 
had gone to sleep. I was sleeping soundly, when hang I 
hang ! hang ! went the enemy's guns. I sprang to my 
feet, and by the time I could get my gun and recollect 
where I was, I could see around our entire division line, 
and away up the left of Davies', like a hundred meteors 
starting from the earth, the flash of rifles from every 
advance post. The enemy had doubtless taken this 
measure to ascertain our positions, or whether we were 
advancing our lines. The next morning these rebels 



274 Recollections tvith the Third Iowa. 

were justly chastised for tlieir ungentlemanly conduct 
in disturbing our sleep. The detail which relieved us 
were ordered by the new officer of the day to deploy as 
skirmishers and advance across the field. They obeyed 
gallantly ; and with a brisk skirmish, but not without 
some loss, dislodged the enemy and occupied his posi- 
tion. Company B of our regiment, had the honor of 
participating in this little affair. 

The 2Gth of May, was a day full of excitement. 
About 9 A. M., the guns of Pope and Buell opened 
heavily upon our left, and about noon, Sherman's chimed 
in on our right. Something was to be done. General 
Lauman was in the saddle. We fell into ranks and 
stood ready. It was not a battle : but the whole line 
was advancing. 

The next morning the 2d Brigade moved forward and 
united with the left of Sherman. Their ambulance corps 
with white badges tied to their left arms marched in 
rear of their respective regiments. They threw up works 
connecting Sherman with Davies, and the 1st Brigade 
formed a reserve behind them. All day, as yesterday, 
a vigorous cannonade was kept up, varied with occa- 
sional skirmishing by the infantry. The work on the 
fortifications continued briskly, and by night a heavy 
line of field works with embrasures for cannon was 
completed. 

And now the morrow, the thirtieth of May, was to 
witness the meager fruits of all this preparation and 
hardship. At six o'clock in the morning, we heard a 
terrible explosion in the direction of Corinth. Our first 
impression was, that the enemy had opened with heavy 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 275 

guns ; but when we saw dense columns of smoke rising 
above the tops of the forest, we felt certain that he was 
evacuating and blowing up his magazines. About eight 
o'clock, General Lauman ran up to the Third Iowa, 
shaking his long beard and clapping his hands, almost 
frantic with joy. " Boys," cried he, " get ready to 
march, we are going into Corinth right away ! " The 
only response I heard was from the " old veteran," my 
comrade : " If the old General says so, we'll do it any 
how ! " The 8th Missouri had gone forward to recon- 
noiter, and found the enemy's works abandoned. There 
was an evident strife between Sherman and Hurlbut to 
see who should be first in Corinth. It was a running 
march through suifocating dust and melting heat. The 
infantry rushed on without waiting for the artillery. 
The batteries limbered up and galloped past the infantry. 
Three-fourths of a mile brought us to the enemy's 
w^orks. They consisted, at the point where we passed 
through them, only of a tolerable line of rifle pits, but 
defended by a heavy abattis a fourth of a mile in width. 
All along we met straggling troopers retiring loaded 
down with various kinds of plunder, among which were 
enormous knives, which looked in shape and size like 
the coulters of our Western breaking-plows. Some had 
their horses completely loaded down with pikes, shot 
guns, and bake ovens. We passed the enemy's late 
camps and were soon in Corinth. The excessive heat, 
the dust of hurrying battalions and galloping squadrons 
and batteries, added to the sickening stench of the de- 
serted camps, and to the smoke of burning houses and 
cotton, were almost unendurable. Sherman took the 



276 Recollections with the Tliird Iowa. 

shortest route and reached the town first. His and 
Hurlbut's divisions pursued the enemy for several miles 
on the Ripley road, but returned to their former camps 
before night. 

The chase of the day was over, and we were again 
behind our works. It was a meager consolation that 
we had dug our last ditch for the reduction of Corinth. 
There was an indescribable feeling of mortification that 
the enemy Avith all his stores and ordnance had at last 
escaped. We could not but think that beyond the occu- 
pation of a little additional territory and a single 
strategic point to the enemy, we had gained nothing. 
His military organization was still unbroken. He was 
as able as before to hurl himself on a weak point, or 
to give us battle. We had lost a decisive victory by 
tardiness and excess of caution. If Pope had only been 
in command, or if Halleck had allowed him to press on 
as rapidly as he desired, hoAV diff'erent, said we, would 
have been the result ! And why had we not pressed the 
retreat of the enemy, while his soldiers were discouraged 
by being forced from so strong a position ? Had we no 
generals capable of following up a victory ? These feel- 
ings were subsequently in a measure relieved by the 
reports that Buell and Pope were pressing the main 
column of the enemy with splendid results. Yet nothing 
transpired to change the general impression that though 
we had gained much, what we had gained was en- 
tirely inadequate to the numbers, means and exertions 
made use of to gain it. We saw that the enemy had 
lost much by being compelled to abandon a position 
of such advantage to him, and in the consequent 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 277 

demoralization of his troops ; but tn'o harbored a vague 
mistrust that his superior generalship would yet con- 
vert his defeat into a victory ; and all seemed to feel 
that the subjugation of the South lay a long way 
before us. 



CHAPTER XX. • 

My owx Sickness — Resume of the movements of my kegt- 
MENT — Movement of Sherman toward Memphis — The camp seven 
MILES from Corinth — March resumed — Camp on the "Heights 

OF THE HaTCHIE" — ADVANCE TO THE BiG MUDDY A HARD MARCH 

Camp at Spring Creek — Next day's ■ march — Reach and camp 
ON Wolf River — Col. Williams again — Lagrange, Tenn. — 
Railroad communications — Movement upon Holly Springs — 
Incidents of the march — Occupation of that place — Return to 
Lagrange— Resignation of Lieut, Col. Scott — A foraging ex- 
pedition — Feat of General Grant — Start for Memphis — 
Details of the march — Arrival in Memphis— Go into camp — 
Gen. Sherman as a military man — The negro — Our sojourn at 
Memphis — Marching orders — Letter of General Sherman. 

Among the most interesting recollections of mj sol- 
dier life, are those of the period I spent in military 
hospitals. Though much of the time my mind was so 
enfeebled by disease, as not to observe closely that 
•which transpired around me ; yet, long as I may live, 
I shall remember most vividly the sufferings I experi- 
enced while there, sometimes relieved by friends, by 
comrades, and by those appointed and detailed to take 
care of the sick and wounded ; and sometimes in part, 
or entirely, neglected. It was there that I saw, more 
than anywhere else, human character divested of its 
artificial coloring, and exhibited in its brightest tints 
and gloomiest shades. 

It was there that I contracted a debt of gratitude to 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 279 

some that I can never repay, and conceived a hatred 
for others that I can never forget. Memories born in 
the heart amid scenes like these can never be blotted 
out. But glad as I should be to linger over the names 
of those who were kind and gentle to me amid these 
scenes of sickness and gloom, I shall hasten to consider 
those aifairs in which my comrades had a more direct 
and positive interest. 

And here my comrades would have to regret the 
absence of a link in the chain of this " grave, interesting 
and authentic narrative," had not a comrade who kept 
a diary of the wanderings of the Third Iowa, while I 
was absent from it during this term of sickness, gene- 
rously come to my aid. After describing the scenes 
attending the occupation of Corinth, this Cid Hamet 
of my history goes on to tell us, that, on the afternoon 
of the 2d of June, orders came to the Third Iowa to 
march immediately, and before night the 4th and 5th 
divisions, under command of Major General W. T. Sher- 
man, moved out, taking all their baggage, and, passing 
through Corinth, camped about a mile to the west of that 
place on the south side of the Memphis and Charleston 
Railroad. There was no water in this vicinity to relieve 
the troops from the effects of the suffocating heat and 
dust of the day ; but this state of things was somewhat 
mitigated by a light shower of rain which fell in the 
forepart of the night. 

The following morning reveille sounded at daylight, 
and an early march, the 5th division in advance, brought 
the troops to a small stream of water on the south side 
of the railroad, where they established a camp, and 



280 Recolledioyis loitJi the TJiird loiva. 

commenced repairing the road about four miles to the 
west, so as to enable them to proceed. For this pur- 
pose the Third Iowa furnished a small detail each day. 
On the (ith, the regiment changed camp to the north 
side of the railroad. This was about seven miles from 
Corinth. 

On the 10th the troops again moved, and after a 
toilsome and dusty march of fifteen miles, both divi- 
sions camped on a commanding bluif that overlooks the 
Big Hatchie. As the 4th Division rested upon these 
hills, little did its soldiers dream that the valley below 
would one day be consecrated with the blood of many 
of its members, and that the " Heights of the Hatchie'' 
w^ould be forever linked in memory w^ith its glorious 
achievements, and the prowess of its commander. It 
was the " Field of Matamora ! " Two days they rested 
here, during which time a bridge was thrown across the 
Hatchie by the troops of the 5th Division, in place of 
the old one which had been burned by the enemy ; and 
then they moved forward four miles, and camped on a 
stream known as the Big Muddy. 

Resuming the march the following morning, June 
13th, they, defiled all day through a desolate waste 
of woods, and over dry ridges. The heat was intense. 
Save from occasional mudholes, there was no water to 
be found. The dust was shoe-top deep and rose in 
dense, suffocating clouds, which there was no wind to dis- 
pel. The dreariness of the country was relieved by but 
two farm houses during the whole day's march. Not- 
withstanding the unparalleled fatigue and suffering, the 
men kept in the ranks well, and there was little strag- 



I 



Recollections with the TJiird Iowa. 281 

gling. After a marcli of thirteen miles, tliey camped 
on Spring Creek, a tributary of the Hatchie. Here they 
found excellent water, and moved at four o'clock in the 
morning about two miles, and rested for the day in the 
vicinity of some clear and cold springs. 

At five o'clock the next morning the march was 
resumed. The men had no water during the day 
except what they took in their canteens in the morning. 
The march was more fatiguing, if possible, than on any 
previous day. They passed through Grand Junction 
and found an excellent camping place on Wolf River, 
having made a distance of twelve miles. 

The following day, the 2d Brigade of the 4th Division 
made a reconnoissance towards Ripley ; they were gone 
tAYO days. There was much straggling from their 
ranks, and a number were missing when they returned. 
For two or three days afterwards, they continued to 
come up and report to the pickets. 

After the evacuation of Corinth, Colonel Williams 
resumed command of the regiment, and during this 
march had begun to renew his obnoxious practices. He 
arrested the quartermaster and reduced Hulbert, the 
commissary sergeant. Both, however, were vindicated. 
The former resigning, was appointed Colonel of the 
84th Iowa, and the latter was soon after appointed 
sergeant in his own company in which capacity he 
served, no one better or more bravely, and was reap- 
pointed commissary sergeant under Lt. Col. Trumbull. 

On the 22d of June, the 4th Division moved to a 

position near Lagrange, Tenn., the Third Iowa going 

into camp on a beautiful wooded hill overlooking Wolf 
24 



282 Recollections with the Third loiva. 

River. This village, which, in prosperous times, con- 
tained about 2,000 inhabitants, is beautifully situated 
on an eminence which commands a view of ten or twelve 
miles of level country to the south of the river. It is 
supplied with excellent springs of water, is surrounded 
by wide and well cultivated fields, and its elegant 
residences, surrounded with costly evergreens, gave 
evidence of the cultivation of its inhabitants. It pos- 
sessed far more attraction than any town they had yet 
seen in Tennessee. It was pleasant indeed, after so 
long a sojourn in the gloomy woods, to pitch tents amid 
scenes of civilization. 

They had advanced slowly from Corinth, had built 
on the way two bridges ruined by the rebels, besides 
repairing the railroad so that the cars were now run- 
ning regularly between Lagrange and that place. The 
removal of certain obstructions between Lagrange and 
Moscow, a station nine miles to the west, was all that 
now remained to put the road in w^orking condition 
between Corinth and Memphis. A train coming from 
Memphis had been thrown off the track at Moscow. 
Part of the soldiers on board marched through to La- 
grange in safety, while those who remained were cap- 
tured by guerrillas, who burned the train. Whether 
this accident had anything to do with admonishing 
General Sherman of the impracticability of holding 
with so small a force so long a line of railway parallel 
to the enemy's front of operations, my informant does 
not pretend to judge. At least this line was soon after 
abandoned, and that by way of Jackson and Columbus 
opened in its stead. 



Recollections iviili the Third Iowa. 283 

It seems to have been known that the enemy under 
command of Breckenridge, were in the vicinity of Holly 
Springs, Miss., a small city twenty-six miles to the 
south. This force probably was merely one of obser- 
vation, the enemy's main body having retired upon 
Grenada. But there came in exaggerated reports of 
his immense numbers there, and preparations to attack 
us. General Sherman determined to move against him, 
the two divisions starting simultaneously the morning 
of June 30th, the 4th from Lagrange, the 5th from 
Moscow. Two days rations were taken in haversacks. 
They camped at night near a brick church, in the neigh- 
borhood of the railroad station of Lamar. There was 
no Avater to be procured here except out of one or two 
wells and some dirty pools, at which places there was 
such a rush that each regiment was compelled to station 
a guard over them while its own men took their 
turn. 

The next day, July 1st, was cool and pleasant. A 
march of seven miles brought the column to Cold Water 
River, a small stream, pure and clear. The only inci- 
dent of this day's march was that a battalion of the 
4th Illinois had been drawn into an ambuscade, losing 
four killed and six wounded. 

The following day, the 32d and 58d Illinois regi- 
ments went forward to reconnoiter, but discovered 
nothing. On their return, they were taken for rebels, 
and an alarm throughout the whole force ensued. 

The day after this, Lieut. Barnes of General Lau- 
man's staff, went out with three others to some farm 
houses to buy provisions, and were fired upon by bush- 



284 Re collections with the Third Iowa. 

"whackers, and all of tliem wounded. The affair caused 
considerable excitement, and threw General Lauman 
into a great rage. 

The next day was the national anniversary. The 
4th Division moved forward and entered without oppo- 
tion Holly Springs, " the Saratoga of the South." This 
delightful little city is situated on the Mississippi Cen- 
tral Railroad, contains excellent springs of water, and 
was celebrated as a Southern watering place. The 
citizens behaved toward their new visitors with as much 
insolence as they dared to manifest. Little did they 
then, suppose that they were sowing in the bosoms of 
these men the seeds of a hatred, which would one day 
lay their beautiful city in ashes ! The next day the 
column started back, and on the 7th again entered 
Lagrange and Moscow. During the fortnight my com- 
rades stayed at the former place few incidents of note 
took place. It was here that Lieut. Col. Scott resigned 
and left the regiment. There was an universal regret 
at being compelled to part with the man who had com- 
manded us so bravely and befriended us so well. All 
felt as though they had lost their best field officer, and 
turned with gloom to the prospect of being commanded, 
no one could tell how long, by a man who, whatever 
might be his merits or faults, had, with scarcely an 
exception, lost the confidence and good will of his 
men. 

One day a forage train of sixty wagons went out in 
the direction of Cold Water, guarded by six companies 
of the Third Iowa, under Captain Smith. On their 
rjturn the escort was menaced by Jackson^s cavalry, 



Becollections with the Third Iowa, 285 

•who endeavored to capture the train. But the Captain's 
tactics were quite equal to those of the rebel Colonel. 
He chose open ground and very coolly marched along in 
plain view of the enemy. They attempted by demon- 
strations to draw his fire, but failed, and finally with- 
drew, having for once found their match. 

About this time General Grant performed the re- 
markable feat of riding in one day from Corinth to 
Memphis, unattended except by one company of caval- 
ry, his body guard and a few staff ofiicers. It must be 
remembered that with the exception of the immediate 
vicinity of Lagrange and Moscow, where General Sher- 
man's troops were stationed, the whole country was in 
the hands of the enemy. At Lagrange the party halted 
an hour for refreshments, and left one of the staff who 
had given out. It is said they reached Memphis before 
night. 

Meanwhile General Sherman and staff proceeded to 
Memphis, leaving orders behind that it was his intention 
to select at that place grounds for the encampment 
of the two divisions, and that no officer or soldier 
should be allowed to follow him to that place ahead 
of his corps. 

July 17th, at 1 P. M., the 4th Division broke up 
camp at Lagrange, and moving along the Memphis and 
Charleston Railroad, after a tiresome march of nine 
miles in which many gave out and fell behind their 
regiments, camped for the night at Moscow, from which 
place the 5th Division had just moved. 

Starting at 3 o'clock next morning, and with little 
improvement on yesterday's march in respect of strag- 



286 HecollecHons tvitJi the TJiird loiva. 

gling, although the weather was cooler than usual both 
days, the column arrived at Lafayette Station, having 
inarch "• ten miles. 

^ xiarch was resumed at 2 o'clock in the morning, 
the 6th Division still in lead. The forenoon was exces- 
sively hot, and marching was difficult in the extreme. 
The dust rose in such clouds that a man in the ranks 
could scarcely see the comrade ahead of him. Seven- 
teen miles being accomplished, the column halted for 
the night at Germantown. 

Next day, the column moved forv»'ard six miles to 
"White Station, and on the day after that, July 21st, a 
march of nine miles brought it to Memphis. Foot-sore, 
ragged and weary, the battalions marched into the city. 
The Third Iowa had the honor of being in lead of the 
4th Division. So thick was the dust on men's faces, 
that it was difficult to distinguish soldier from contra- 
band — all looked alike. Many had no shoes, and some 
even were without pants, and had nothing but drawers 
and shirt in way of uniform. But the boys dressed 
their files and proudly kept step to the music, while 
from balconies and windows the Union ladies Avaved 
white handkerchiefs in welcome. 

Wallace's division was garrisoning the city, but now 
relieved by Sherman, it embarked to reinforce the army 
of General Curtis at Helena. General Sherman 
disposed his troops so as to environ the city and 
guard all the approaches to it. Our regiment being 
on the right of the line was camped on the south 
Bide of the city and near the river. We had 
a delightful camping ground, greensward beneath 



Recollections zvitJi the Third Iowa. 287 

our feet, and noble shade trees waving over our 
heads. 

Tlie period we spent here was one of rest Out not 
of idleness. It was a period of discipline aiflfdo uiitj. 
We Avere still in the presence of an enterprising enemy, 
who constantly menaced our extended line with attack. 
General Sherman was no less a general in camp than 
in the field. There his great bravery, his splendid 
tactical combinations in the face of the enemiy, his 
unwearying energy, and his industrious attention to 
details, had impressed his soldiers with a kind of 
reverence for him as a military commander, which they 
felt for no other general. All could see that in genius 
and in spirit, he was a complete soldier. Though he 
could add nothing to the patrioti::m and bravery of the 
men he commanded, he was now to see they were 
better supplied, better drilled, better disciplined, and 
that there be infused into them more of the esprit de 
corps. Every one will recollect his fine figure on 
review — how keenly he scrutinized every thing ; not a 
man, nor a uniform, nor a gun seemed to escape his 
notice. He exercised the closest supervision over the 
different departments, punished corruption and saw 
that justice was meted out to all. He administered 
martial law in the city of Memphis with justice and 
rigor, but without violence or cruelty. A young soldier 
studying the profession and practice of arms might well 
think himself fortunate in being under the tuition 
of such a general. 

It was at Memphis that we first were allowed to 
admit negroes within our lines. At Lagrange and 



288 Recollections with the TJiird Iowa. 

Moscow and all along the marcli from those places 
hither, they had flocked to join us in great numbers. 
General Halleck's celebrated General Orders No. 3 
being then in force, General Sherman was compelled to 
issue an order forbidding his soldiers from encouraging 
negroes in leaving their homes, and teamsters from 
giving them transportation. This order was written 
by Captain Hammond, his Assistant Adjutant General, 
and was couched in poor and undignified terms. As 
soon, however, as orders from Washington allowed him 
to do so. General Sherman issued orders authorizing 
the employment of negroes as cooks, teamsters and 
laborers in the various departments and on the fortifi- 
cations. Large numbers were put to work on Fort 
Pickering, an important field work which was project- 
ed for the defense of Memphis. Contrabands thronged 
the camps in large numbers, and soon became an 
important element in the materiel of the army. All 
that came within our lines were received and put to 
work, and supplied with clothing and subsistence. 
This policy was viewed by the soldiers with very 
general approbation. 

While we were thus resting, our comrades in the 
East were struggling, through prodigious marches, 
uncommon hardships, and bloody battles to check the 
advance of a superior enemy, and his invasion of our 
soil. Reports from that quarter of disaster crowding 
upon disaster, disturbed in no small degree the quietude 
of our camp life, and embittered the sweets of the 
comparative repose we were enjoying. In addition to 
this, the enemy began to make demonstrations in the 



Recollections with the Third loiva. 289 

neigliborliood of Bolivar, Tenn., and we were not sur- 
prised to find our spell of easy soldiering broken, when, 
on the 5th of September, orders came to march at 
3 o'clock next morning, in what direction we could 
only conjecture. 

The two divisions which had been so long together 
were now to be separated. They who had grown to 
consider each other comrades, had marched and fought 
together perhaps for the last time. General Sherman 
expressed his feelings on this separation in the following 
letter to General Hurlbut, Avhich, after we had reached 
Bolivar, was published to us in General Orders. We 
esteemed it a great honor to receive such compliments 
from such a general : — 

Headquarters, Sth Division, 1 
Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 6, 1862. J 

Brigadier General Hurlbut, Commanding 4ih Division, 
Army of the Tennessee, — 

Dear Sir : — Permit me through you to convey 
to the officers and men of your division an expression 
of my deep regret that the necessities of the service 
should at this time separate our commands. Our divi- 
sions were the first to disembark at Pittsburg Landing, 
in the early part of March, and through storm and sun- 
shine, adverse and prosperous times, we have been side 
by side. Not only have social ties arisen between us, 
but the habit of acting together has made us one com- 
mand ; and I feel in parting with you as though my 

own division was divided. 
25 



290 Recollections with the TJiird Iowa, 

I need, not express to you my liigli personal and 
official respect ; for I hope to have evmced it on all 
occasions. I must say that no officers could have been 
more zealous, close, and attentive to their important 
duties than they have been. I can not recall an instance 
of their being absent from their posts for even an hour. 
Indeed, with very few exceptions, your division is com- 
posed of a class of steady good men, who by their 
behavior in camp, on guard, on the march and in battle, 
reflect honor and credit on themselves and their 
country. 

Be pleased to convey to all my hearty thanks ; and 
assure them that I Avill hail the change in events which 
will bring us again together. 

With sentiments of high respect, 

Your friend and servant, 

(Signed) W. T. Sherman. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Lt. Col. Trumbull — Preparations to march — Leaving Sher- 
man AND Memphis — Heat, dust and straggling — Night on Wolp 
River — Second day's march — House burning — Annoyances — 
Halt for the night at last — Next day's March — Reach the 
Hatchie — Bridging the stream — Guarding the working par- 
ties — Hardships and murmurs — March toward Bolivar — Our 
bituation there — A reconnoisance toward Grand Junction — At- 
tempt OF the enemy to get in our rear — Masterly retreat — 
Make a stand and shell back his advance guard — Arrive at 
BoLi V AR — Rein forcements — Vigilance. 

At this time Colonel Williams was seriously ill. 
Capt. M. M. Trumbull, of Company I., had been 
recommended by the commissioned officers of the regi- 
ment to Governor Kirkwood as their choice to fill the 
vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Col. Scott, 
and having received since official notice of his appoint- 
ment. Colonel Williams had ordered him to assume 
command. He accordingly put on the uniform of Lt. 
Colonel, and we began to address him by his new title, 
rejoiced that, at a time when an encounter with the 
enemy seemed probable, we were to be led by an officer 
of such gallantry and merit. 

The sick, who in the opinion of the surgeons were not 

able to march, were provided for in the hospitals at 

Memphis. We replenished our stock of rations so as 

291 



292 Recollections ivitJi the TJdrd loiva. 

to have a ten days' supply on hand, and busied our- 
selves in preparations for the morrow's march till late 
in the night, when we retired to rest, awaiting the ex- 
pected reveille at one o'clock. 

The drums, however, did not beat till half past five, 
and we awoke to learn that the march had been deferred 
till 11 A. M. At half past eleven the regiment moved, 
leading the column ; the other regiments and the batte- 
ries following in their appropriate order. As we passed 
the Head Quarters of General Sherman, that officer sat 
on his charger watching us with all the scrutiny of an 
inspection. As w^e took a last look at him, we felt a 
feelino; of reo;ret that he w^as to command us no lono-er ; 
but this was in a measure relieved by the thought that 
our old division commander, whom in times past we 
had been so happy and proud to follow, still led us. 
But we had still another source of regret ; for, as we 
looked back upon the spires of Memphis, we could not 
but think that for a season, at least, such days of 
pleasant soldiering were over. 

The road was free from dust on account of a heavy 
rain which had fallen the previous day, but the heat w^as 
oppressive in the extreme. Notwithstanding, in the 
commencement of the march, strict orders had been 
issued against straggling, we had scarcely got beyond 
the suburbs of the city when men began to give out and 
leave the ranks, and several were sun-struck and had! 
to be put in the ambulances. Although the General 
took the precaution to halt and rest the column fifteen 
minutes each hour, before night the way was lined with 
men who were unable to keep up. We halted for the 



Hecollections with the Third Iowa. 293 

night about eight miles to the northeast of Memphis, 
on a deeply wooded bottom of Wolf River. Owing to 
some obstruction which the wagons had met, a part of 
our train was still some time after dark in getting up, 
and it was not till late in the night that all the stragglers 
rejoined their commands. 

September 7. It was General Hurlbut's plan to 
reverse each day the order of march so as to give no 
preference of place in the column to any regiment or 
battery. The 2d Brigade took the lead to-day, and 
the 3d Iowa marched in the rear of the 1st Brigade, 
and hence formed the rear guard of the column. Gen. 
Hurlbut was an early riser, and he announced each 
night the time of commencing the following day's 
march, which was seldom later than four o'clock in the 
morning. 

This morning the troops began to move at an early 
hour, and about eight o'clock the 3d Iowa joined in 
with its train and was in motion. Owing to the light 
showers of yesterday evening which had succeeded the 
intense heat of the day, the air this morning was cool 
with occasional breezes, and consequently the march 
was less arduous, and the men kept the ranks without 
much difficulty. We made no halt for dinner. 

About 3 P. M. we saw a dense smoke rising in 
advance, and on approaching discovered that it was a 
house on fire, and that several soldiers were applying 
the torch to other buildings near by. All that we could 
learn of the cause of this operation was that a Confede- 
ate flag, an Enfield rifle and a set of accoutrements 
marked " 0, Y. M." had been found secreted in it. 



294 HeeollecHons ivith the Third loiva. 

This had suggested to those who made the discovery 
that its inmates were traitors, and that it was a matter 
of duty with them to commit the house and the sur- 
rounding buildings to flames, which they were now doing 
with the utmost sang froid. General Hurlbut the next 
day issued an order censuring this act in severe terms, 
and warning his troops against similar conduct in 
future. 

About this time a shower of rain commenced falling, 
cooling the atmosphere and rendering the roads quite 
favorable to marching. As it began to grow dark, it 
became evident from the frequent and annoying halts 
of the train ahead of us, that the regiments and batteries 
in the advance of the column were taking their positions 
for the night. Indeed so slow was our march on account 
of these halts, that our regiment did not reach its camp- 
ing ground before eleven o'clock, having accomplished 
not more than two miles in the last four hours. This 
was by far the most fatiguing part of the day's march. 
Notwithstanding we had halted at sundown, dressed our 
files, loaded our pieces and received the strictest orders 
against straggling, it was impossible for the officers to 
keep the men in ranks. Many straggled far ahead and 
threw themselves down upon the green s^^ard and went 
to sleep, to be awakened by their comrades or the rear 
guard. Reaching our position for the night, we ate a 
hasty supper from our haversacks, and threw ourselves 
down to sleep. Happy the lot of most of us compared 
with that of the few, who, exhausted and footsore, were 
yet compelled to watch on picket xvliile we slept. 

September 8. We rested in camp to-day. The wind 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 295 

■was damp with a drizzling rain, which was most welcome 
to us, as we expected to renew the march at an early 
hour. The enemy's cavalry was said to be prowling 
around us, and apprehensions were felt that a large 
body of his troops were in the vicinity. We received 
orders that there w^as to be no straggling from our stacks 
of arms, and, to prevent this, to have roll call every 
two hours. During the day we put up tents, and with 
the aid of the fresh meat and vegetables we had pro- 
cured on the yesterday's march, we made ourselves 
quite comfortable. Towards night w^e had a careful 
inspection of arms and ammunition, and received the 
usual marching orders for the morning. 

September 9. The column moved at daylight and 
continued the march all day w^ithout interruption or 
seeing any indications of an enemy. We camped for 
the night on a creek bottom, rank with growing timber 
and abounding in grapes, muscadines, lizards, copper- 
heads, and the like. 

September 10. Reveille woke us at 3 o'clock, and 
an easy march brought us to the Muddy, a small stream 
very appropriately named, and two miles beyond which 
flows the Hatchie. We did not put up tents for the 
night, and a heavy rain which fell towards morning 
soaked our blankets and proved to be not as much of 
a luxury as the previous ones had been. 

September 11. The drums sounded at half past three. 
The bridge over the Hatchie in advance of us had been 
destroyed by a party of Federal cavalry who had passed 
through the country early in the summer, disguised as 
cotton burners, but had been detected and pursued. 



296 Rccolleclioiis ivilJi the TJdrd Iowa. 

In order to advance, it became necessary to rebuild it. 
For this purpose General Hurlbut ordered a pioneer 
party of soldiers and contrabands to be detailed, and 
tlie 3d Iowa and 41st Illinois to move for^Yard to protect 
them while at work. AYe accordingly moved at 5 A. M. 
in light marching order, passed over a road leading 
through a cane and cypress swamp, whose rotten and 
dilapidated bridges indicated that it had not been used 
in several years, and reached the river, where we stacked 
arms and threw across a picket by means of a dug-out 
which we found here. We passed a wet and cheerless 
day, watching the pioneers who were busy felling trees, 
carrying logs into the stream, and laying the founda- 
tions of the proposed bridge. Without blankets and 
almost without food, we w^ere compelled to pass the night 
here as w^e had passed the day. 

While w^e thus lay beside our struggling fires, en- 
deavoring to sleep, it may be imagined that our reflec- 
tions were anything but pleasant. Why w^ere we moving 
so far to the north of Bolivar, and on such an extraor- 
dinary road ? Was it to evade, deceive, or surprise the 
enemy ? Had our forces indeed retreated from Bolivar, 
or were the rebels making designs in their rear ? Did 
the country afford no better roads than this ? Or, if it 
was '' strategy " to advance on such a road, would the 
advantages counterbalance the delay in constructing 
bridges ? Rumor supplied twenty different solutions ; 
but the General, and perhaps a few others, alone knew 
the correct one. 

A party of cavalry arrived during the night from 
Bolivar with such intelligence as changed matters en- 



Recollections ivitli tlic Third loiva. 297 

tircly. The work on the bridge was abandoned, and 
earl}^ in the morning, September 12, we returned to 
camp and found the column already beginning to move. 
Loading our wagons and without waiting to take break- 
fast, we resumed our places in the order of march. The 
day was cloudy and cool and the roads good. A steady 
march of thirteen miles brought us to a wooded bottom, 
where, out of a few pools, we procured a supply of muddy 
water. 

Monday, September 13. We moved early, and the 
march was a hard one. We halted about two hours in 
the middle of the day by the side of a mill pond, and 
took a refreshing bath and a pleasant siesta. The 
afternoon was very hot and the dust excessive. It 
seemed that the rains, which had made the roads of 
yesterday so excellent, had not reached this section. 
But the men kept their ranks well, and before night we 
went into camp in a beautiful situation on Spring Creek, 
about two miles to the west of Bolivar. Here we rested 
the following day, and on the 16th changed camp to a 
high and pleasant locality across the creek. The regi- 
ments of the division were somewhat separated, and the 
batteries occupied the most commanding and defensible 
position. The water was excellent; our supplies were 
regular and abundant, and the country around abounded 
in fora";e for our animals. The weather was deliizhtful. 
We were able to procure from the inhabitants many 
luxuries. On the whole the people were quite friendly 
toward us. They seemed to have settled down to the 
conclusion that their country was to be permanently oc~ 
cupied by Federals, and inclined to make the best of a 



298 Recollections with the TJdrd loiua. 

state of things they could not prevent. Our duty was 
heavy; but Col. Trumbull endeavored to lighten it as 
much as possible. Our foraging expeditions furnished 
some excitement, and, notwithstanding very stringent 
orders against plundering, generally kept us well sup- 
plied with fresh vegetables and meat. Col. Trumbull was 
an excellent drill master, and under him our regiment 
improved rapidly in the evolutions of the battalion. 

The 28th Illinois was camped nearest to us, and here 
there grew up between the men of the 3d Iowa and of 
that gallant regiment, a feeling of friendship which 
nothing has since served to obliterate. 

On the 19th of September, orders came to our regi- 
ment to move the following morning at sunrise, taking 
all our baggage. It was to be a reconnoisance in force 
with a heavy train designed to deceive the enemy. The 
force consisted of the 1st Brigade and two battalions of 
the gallant 2d Illinois Cavalry, all under command of 
Brif^. Gen. Lauman. The column started shortly after 
sunrise and took the road leading south toward Grand 
Junction. 

Officers and men were equally ignorant of the object 
of the movement. We said it could not be a reconnoi- 
sance, else we would not have taken our train. Nor 
could it be that it was intended to occupy Grand Junc- 
tion with so small a force. But we believed in our 
generals, and, inexplicable as the movement seemed, it 
gave us no particular concern. The day being cool and 
the roads good, we made a march of about eighteen 
miles, but camped in a country destitute of water, save 
what was to be found in a few pools, about five miles to 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 299 

the north of Grand Junction, The pickets were care- 
fully posted and the men ordered to sleep on their arms, 
and every precaution was taken against surprise. 

The march was resumed at daylight next morning, 
and when we had proceeded to within a mile of Grand 
Junction, the cavalry reported the enemy. Let us look 
at the situation. La Grange is four miles west of Grand 
Junction. A road leading from that place to the north, 
joins at Middleburg, about eight miles south of Bolivar, 
the way on which we were now marching. On this road 
the enemy was pushing a strong column past our right 
flank and endeavoring to get in our rear. The cavalry 
reported it to be a mile and a half in length. When 
this word was brought to the General, he saw the danger 
at a glance, and said with his usual brevity, " We must 
get out of this." He dispatched messengers to General 
Hurlbut. The wagons began to turn around. The 3d 
Iowa countermarched, and then was halted and brought 
to a front. Every one anticipated the next command, 
and one or two began to feel of their cartridge boxes ; 
at sight of which Col. Trumbull called out, rebuking, 
" Wait for the word ! " He then gave the command, 
" Load at will — load ! " Soon the column was in motion 
to the rear, and began to execute a retreat, such as, in 
rapidity, order and success is seldom surpassed. Our 
regiment, hitherto in advance, was now in the rear, 
our battalion of cavalry moved past the column through 
the fields and became the new advance guard, while the 
other remained behind to cover the retreat. As this 
battalion let down the fence and rode past us into the 
field, the boys greeted each other with such shouts of 



300 Recollections ivitli the Tldrd Iowa. 

good natured raillery as told plainly that no one was 
afraid. It soon became apparent that the enemy was 
also following us in the rear. A gallant cavalry officer 
with a few men lingered behind to reconnoiter until the 
rebels were within hailing distance of him. They invited 
him to come up and have a talk, but he declined, and 
rode forward to tell General Lauman of what he had 
seen. The General sent Beauregard, his chief of order- 
lies, to hurry on the train. The old soldier realized as 
much as the General himself, that we were in a crisis. 
He went storming up and down the road, forbidding the 
teamsters to lock going down the steepest hills, and 
talking to some of them in such a manner as to secure 
their lasting gratitude. The manner in which he dis- 
charged this important duty excited the admiration of 
all. The column took a road further to the east than 
the one on which we had come, so as to make sure of 
evading the enemy. As we passed through the little 
town of Van Buren, the citizens came out to watch us, 
and a grin of delight played on their countenances, 
which made the boys gnash their teeth. 

In three hours, with no loss but that of tAvo horses, we 
had retreated twelve miles. The day was quite warm, 
and the dust began to rise heavily beneath our feet. 
The ambulances and wagons were so full of exhausted 
men tliat they could hold no more, and still the}^ con- 
tinued to give out. We were fast reaching the limit of 
endurance. General Lauman observing this, and at 
length reaching a tract of high open fields, he began to 
wink ominously, " I'll fight them right here," said he, 
*' my men would sooner fight than run at any odds." 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 301 

The next moment we saw the fences tumbling down, and 
Mann's Battery, a section on each side of the road, was 
quickly in position. The infantry was formed in two 
lines, two regiments on each side of the road. The 
od Iowa was on the right of it in the front line, and 
supported a section of the guns. Behind us, perhaps a 
half mile, the waters of Spring Creek flowed clear and 
cool, and here the animals and exhausted men having 
got water, the train proceeded leisurely on out of the 
way. A captain of cavalry, with six men, went back 
to reconnoiter. Colonel Trumbull also rode leisurely 
back alone over the field. The party met the enemy's 
cavalry, and were pursued by them. As the rebels 
came in sight, kicking up a great cloud of dust, the two 
pieces on the right of the road opened with shell upon 
them, and a few discharges caused them hastily to dis- 
appear. 

Meanwhile the two regiments of the second line had 
moved to the rear, crossed the creek, and proceeded to 
form a new line faced to the south, on a commandiug 
field about three miles to the north. The enemy mak- 
ing no further demonstrations, the two remaining regi- 
ments and the battery, after a time, formed column and 
passed through this new line about dusk, and soon after 
met reinforcements, three regiments and a battery under 
General Hurlbut. Moving leisurely back, we reached 
our former camping places about 8 P. M. 

But apprehensions of an early attack were enter- 
tained. In pursuance of orders received from General 
Ilurlbut during the night, we were in line and had our 
wagons loaded at 3 o'clock next morning, and waited 



302 Recollections ^vith the Third loiva. 

most of the day, expecting the approach of the enemy. 
We however policed our camps, and toward night put 
up our tents. Reinforcements were started to us from 
Jackson, and tliat evening we had a dress parade at 
which an order from General Hurlbut w^as read, stating 
that with reinforcements that had arrived and w^ere 
about to arrive, he hoped soon to be able to assume 
the offensive ; also that reveille w^ould beat at 2 o'clock 
next morning, and that the baggage w^ould be loaded 
at four. The order was obeyed ; but the enemy declined 
battle and the General did not pursue. We again put 
up our tents ; but at night a similar order compelled us 
to take them down again early in the morning. And 
thus for several days we were kept in a constant state 
of vigilance and of preparation for any emergency. 

The troops now here in excess of the 4th Division 
constituted an additional division under Brig. Gen. 
Ross. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Sudden orders to march — A day's march toward Corinth — 
Bivouac on the Big Muddy — Fight of the cavalry — Arrival 
of General Ord — Reveille — Advance of the 2d Brigade — 
Situation and movements of the enemy— BATTLE OF MATA- 
MORA — Our positions in reserve — Progress of the battle — 
Carrying the Bridge of the Hatchie — Disastrous situation — 
Reserves ordered into action — Scene beyond the bridge — 

IlURLBUT saves THE DAY CARRYING THE HEIGHTS — PRACTICE OP 

THE ARTILLERY — ReTREAT OF THE ENEMY — BlVOUAC ON THE FIELD 

On PICKET — Reconnoissance, details, ETC. — Return to Bolivar — 
Fruits of the victory — Losses. 

Our regiment was on battalion drill on the afternoon 
of October 3cl, when orders came to be ready to march 
promptly at three o'clock in the morning, with three 
days cooked rations in haversacks. The evening was 
spent in preparation, and during the night frequent 
orders arrived announcing the details of the march. 
We were to go in light order, taking, besides the ambu- 
lances, but two wagons to the regiment, one for ammu- 
nition and one for tents, of which each company was to 
take one. Those not able to march were exempted 
by the surgeons, and for this purpose an examination 
was had. 

Reveille roused us at one o'clock ; at two we had 

breakfasted; and at three the column formed on the 

open fields to the west of Bolivar. It consisted of the 

4th Division, and the 68th Ohio and 12th Michigan of 

303 



304 Recollections tvith the Third Iowa. 

Ross' division. General Hurlbut was in command. 
General Ross was to remain to guard the place. 

The column began to move without delay. We 
passed through Bolivar and took the road leading in a 
southeast direction toward Corinth. The full moon 
shone beautifully, but not enough to light the densely 
wooded bottom through which for two miles beyond 
Bolivar the road defiles. Besides the frequent mud- 
holes, we had to ford a small creek that flows through 
a cypress swamp, by which means the ranks were much 
broken and the column greatly lengthened. When the 
head of the column gained the bluffs to the east of this, 
it was halted to wait for the rear to come up. Day had 
not yet dawned, but the scene was enchanting. The 
moon cast a pure pale light over all the landscape, 
which for a long distance lay beneath us to the west. 
There was not a breath of air in motion ; and the pro- 
found silence which pervaded all nature was broken 
only by the heavy tread of man and horse, and the 
clatter of baggage and artillery wheels. Where and 
why were we thus marching ? The sudden orders, the 
nature of the preparations, and the unexpected direc- 
tion we were taking, assured us that it was an uncom- 
mon movement, and that there was trouble ahead. All 
Tvas mystery ; but in it every one could sec a battle. 
Little did we think that at that very hour the enemy was 
preparing to storm our works at Corinth. 

As soon as the rear battalions had crossed the stream 
the march was resumed with energy. The roads were 
not dusty, and when the day dawned there arose a cool 
breeze, which enabled us to maintain the same speed 



Recollections ivitli the TJiird Iowa. 805 

with wliich we had led out. Fifteen miles brought us 
by 11 A. M., to a small stream where we halted till 
2 P. M., for dinner and rest. 

In the afternoon the roads were somewhat dustier. 
At Pocahontas Station we crossed the Memphis and 
Charleston Railroad, and, soon after, the cavalry, two 
battalions of the 5th Ohio, came upon a picket of the 
enemy which they put to flight, losing one man mortally 
wounded. The column went into camp for the night 
on the Big Muddy, the 1st Brigade beyond it, the 2d 
behind it. The Third Iowa occupied precisely the same 
ground on which it had camped the night of the 13th 
of June. 

The 1st Brigade had just stacked arms, when word 
came that our cavalry had engaged that of the enemy 
about a mile and a half to the front, and that they were 
fighting sharply. Listening, we could hear the indis- 
tinct crack of the carbines. Messengers began and 
continued to arrive from the scene of action ; but it was 
some time before General Lauman seemed much con- 
cerned about it. At length we saw an officer ride up 
excitedly to him. Then the general climbed his horse, 
and galloping down to our regiment, cried out : " Third 
Iowa ! in line ! We sprang to our stacks and took 
arms ; when he commanded in the same tone : " At 
^ill — ^load!" While we thus stood in line, expecting 
every moment to see the cavalry breaking back upon 
us, we saw something in the east, flashing back the 
rays of the setting sun. It approached us, dancing 
through the bushes like two great wheels of fire, and 
soon discovered itself, an enormous pair of spectacles, 
26 



806 Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

behind whicli a cavalry officer came riding frantically 
np, and uitli a strange accent cried to Captain 
Trumbull : " Kapn - ve - kot - ateenuntert-kafalrie kiust - 
nns - atvv'o - ricliiments - ot - ve - to - peet - a - retreat ? Tlio 
Colonel very coolly referred him to the General, when 
lie rode off, saying the General knew all about it. 

After about an hour's fighting, the contending parties 
withdrew as if by mutual consent, and our cavalry as 
per orders retired upon the infantry. We again stacked 
arms, and nothing occurred during the night to prevent 
us from sleeping soundly. 

About 3 o'clock in the morning, Major General Ord 
arrived from Corinth, whence he had come by way of 
Jackson and Bolivar, from the latter place on horseback, 
escorted by a company of the 2d Illinois Cavalry. Ha 
assumed command of all the forces, and approved the 
plan of battle General Hurlbut hud already made. 
He brought intelligence that the rebels had been de- 
feated at Corinth, and were retreating towards us. 
Early in the morning, and about the time we heard 
of his arrival, this news circulated through our fires 
merely in the shape of a vague rumor of a battle at 
Corinth. 

We were aroused at daylight, and ordered to eat our 
breakfasts and get ready to move. The cavalry pickets, 
stationed at a house, fell back into the edge of a wood 
to eat tlieir breakfiist without molestation, and when 
they attempted to return to their former post, found the 
house occupied by rebels, and were unable to dislodge 
them. About seven o'clock, the 25th Indiana, of 
Veatch's Brigade, moved past us to the front, followed 



Recollections iviili tlie Third loiva. 807 

by a battery, and their brigade train. The wagons 
were parked with our's on the field on which the 
1st Brigade still rested. It was not long before we 
heard the firing of skirmishers, and soon after, we were 
startled by discharges of artillery rapid and near. It 
was a section of Bolton's Battery shelling the enemy 
out of the house. Soon the remainder of Gen. Veatch's 
command moved past us, the 28th Illinois followed, and 
Generals Ord and Hurlbut, followed by the body-guard 
of the former, rode liesurely to the front. General 
Hurlbut was in full uniform, but General Ord wore a 
yellow linen coat. 

About this time, and still further to the east, we 
coald hear a skirmishing fire, now deepening into heavy 
volleys, and now slackening into occasional discharges. 
Suddenly began the noise of artillery, deep and loud, 
and for a long time we stood by our stacks of arms, 
and listened with great interest to the mingled sounds 
of both arms. Orderlies and stafi" ofiicers rode to and 
from the field, but from them we could gather little 
news of the progress of the battle. But it was all in 
our favor. The enemy was being driven at all points. 
Retreating from Corinth and encountering our cavalry 
the previous night, which after the skirmish had re- 
treated from him, he thought we were merely a cavalry 
force sent out to watch him, or to harrass him in the 
rear, while attacking Corinth. He did not expect a 
heavy force was moving to attack him in the rear. He 
was not looking for such generalship on the part of 
Grant. Nor, when at the block house, he had seen 
Bolton's artillery and Morgan's skirmishers, was he 



308 Recollections with the Tliird loiva. 

willing to give up the delusion which General Hurlbut 
had so skillfully prepared for him ; but with great bold- 
ness he pushed a heavy column of his troops across the 
bridge of the Hatchie, when, to his amazement, he saw 
General Veatch's infantry deploying before him, and 
his batteries taking possession of Matamora heights. 
The enemy quickly got his guns in battery, and his 
infantry deployed to the right and left. Then a severe 
artillery duel, and then the skirmishers again joined, 
and the 2d Brigade advanced at a charging step. The 
enemy withered before their fire, and finally fled before 
their approaching bayonets. The charge was gallantly 
pressed. Most of the rebels rushed, panic stricken, 
over the bridge ; many threw away their guns and 
plunged through the river ; some fled through the woods 
to the right, and escaped by crossing on logs above 
the bridge; and about four hundred surrendered on 
the west bank. A fine four gun battery was also 
captured. 

To second these movements, General Lauman had 
sent forward the 28th and 53d Illinois regiments of his 
brigade ; the 41st was detailed to guard the wagon 
train, and the 32d and 3d Iowa were in reserve. As 
soon as General Veatch's battalion commenced, General 
Lauman moved forward with these two reserve regi- 
ments about two miles, and deployed us, the 32d on the 
right, the 3d Iowa on the left of the road, about a half 
mile in the rear of Matamora heights, from which we 
saw the 2d Brigade move forward to the attack, and 
heard the noise of the battle. It was to us an hour 
of hope and fear. The appearance of the three generals, 



Recollections with the TJiird loiva. 809 

Ord, Hurlbut and Lauman, as they now sat in the road 
on their horses in advance of us, and received messen- 
gers and dispatched orders, and calmly conversed with 
each other, tended to give us confidence. But we had 
seen enough of battle to know that its fortunes defy 
calculation ; we knew nothing of the strength of the 
enemy, and could not but think, that gallantly as they 
had advanced to the attack, our comrades might be 
driven back in dismay, and we compelled to interpose 
between them and a victorious foe. 

The generals soon rode forward and found the enemy 
driven across the river. General Ord ordered Veatch 
to throw his reghnents across and deploy them succes- 
sively to the right and left of the road. Beyond the 
river there was about twelve rods of bottom, and then 
there arose a very high and steep bluff. Along the 
brow of this the enemy, rallying and reinforced, had 
formed new lines of battle, and planted artillery which 
from different points, enfiladed the road and bridge, 
and swept the field on both sides of the stream. Fol- 
lowing up the river, just above the bridge it makes an 
abrupt elbow and comes down from the east running 
parallel to the road on the opposite side. In this elbow 
and on not more than half an acre of ground, a part 
of General Veatch's brigade, according to the orders 
of General Ord, would have to deploy. The 53d Indiana 
crossed first, and, endeavoring to form on this ground, 
became crowded together in the narrow space between 
the road and the river, when it met a plunging fire 
of musketry and canister, and was driven back to the 
bridge in disorder and with great loss. Here they met 



310 Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

the 25th Indiana, which crossed bravely and stayed 
them in their retreat. The 14th and 15th Illinois fol- 
lowed handsomely and deployed to the left of the road. 
Then crossed the 28th and 53d Illinois of Lauman's 
brigade, which were ordered to deploy to the right, 
where, like the 52d Indiana, they were crowded together 
and confused ; but they held their ground and bravely 
returned the fire of the enemy. 

Meanwhile the reserves were ordered to the front. 
General Lauman took the lead, and we advanced by 
the flank rapidly down the road. We crossed the ridge 
and came to the village. Beyond us the field was swept 
by a converging fire of the enemy's batteries. Into 
this storm of shot, shell and canister, we ran. Beyond 
the river the battle was at its height. Its noise was 
one uninterrupted roar. We knew that our troops were 
sustaining it bravely ; for we met no stragglers as at 
Shiloh. The bridge was swept by a random fire directed 
through the tops of the trees. Colonel Trumbull ordered 
us to fix bayonets. We crossed the bridge on the run, 
and fixed bayonets, crossing. Beyond the bridge sat 
General Lauman and staff. Beauregard, the old orderly, 
was wounded and bleeding freely at the mouth ; but he 
still was able to respond to our cheers, and to call upon 
us to " give the rebels hell." Colonel Trumbull riding 
in lead, pointed to the hill and ordered us to charge. 
The regiment obeyed bravely and had nearly reached 
the foot of the hill, when it was ordered to file to the 
right. Here in a moment we became massed and min- 
gled with the regiments which had endeavored to form 
here before us. Through the dense smoke we could 



Recollections ivith the TJnrd Iowa. 811 

not see the enemy ; but Tve could hear the rapid jar 
of his artillery before and above us, and his canister as 
it swept through the air in vollies, making inroads into 
the masses that swayed to and fro around us. The 
situation was disastrous in the extreme. We were 
massed and crowded togetherj and completely at the 
mercy of the enemy's fire, while we could scarcely hope 
to injure him with our's. Behind us an almost impass- 
able barrier, obstructing retreat. To attem.pt to with- 
draw across the narrow bridge would have insured our 
destruction. Vf hat then were we to do ? We could not 
advance, we could not retreat, nor could we effectively 
return the enemy's fire. The next moment the enemy's 
masses might pour down the hill at a charge. We must 
hold our ground like men, and, if necessary, die here. 
This terrible resolution seem.ed to have siezed all 
hearts. 

At this juncture General Ord was wounded, and the 
command devolved upon General Hurlbut, to whom it 
of right belonged. The day was now lost, and it was 
for liira to regain it. It was for him to correct the 
fiital dispositions of the former, to make new disposi- 
tions of the troops under that appaling fire, and out 
of shattered and broken elements to organize victory. 
He rode across the bridge and into the thickest of the 
fire. He ordered the 46th Illinois, and the 68th Ohio, 
and 12th Michigan, yet on the west bank, to cross the 
bridge, and deploy to the left so as to flank the hill. 
They executed the movement finely, and in a few 
moments the enemy saw, w^ith astonishment, regiments 
emerging from the field of his concentrated fire, where 



312 Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

he had held us so long, and advancing in good order upon 
his right. His firing suddenly ceased ; his colors dis- 
appeared from the crest of the hill. He saw his victory 
snatched from him by superior skill and courage, and 
fled in dismay. 

At this juncture, having quickly formed our regiment, 
Colonel Trumbull took ofi" his hat and said to us, " Men 
of the Third Iowa, will you stand by me this day ? " 
All voices responded, " "We will ! " '' Then," replied he, 
" here's a man that never retreats this day ! " Could we 
have asked for a better leader ? 

In a few moments the whole force, splendidly aligned, 
advanced up the hill, and new lines were formed on its 
crest. The artillery followed, Mann's battery in lead, 
the planting of which General Hurlbut superintended in 
person. This battery, which won such honors at Shiloh, 
now behaved, if possible, more admirably than before. 
Leaving their caissons and limbers under the crest of 
the hill, the men ran their guns up by hand and opened 
a fire upon the enemy's masked battery, directing their 
aim at its smoke. The other batteries took position 
to its left, one of them so as to command the enemy's 
battery with a flanking fire. The practice of our artil- 
lery was splendid. As often as one of the enemy's 
guns would fire, three or four of ours would reply. 
Meantime a party of volunteer skirmishers from the 
15th Illinois, crept up behind the crest of a hill in 
the open field, between the left of our line and 
the enemy, and with the most amusing impudence, 
picked off his wheel horses and cannoneers. In a 
short time his battery was knocked to pieces and 



Recollections witli the Third Iowa. 313 

compelled to leave the field. His rear guard then with- 
drew, and disappeared from our front. The firing 
of our cannon had scarcely ceased, when we heard those 
of Rosecrans in the direction of Corinth, thundering in 
the enemy's rear. This should have been sufiicient to 
determine the general to press the pursuit. Why this 
was not done was an enigma to us then, and it has 
remained unexplained ever since. It is true, we were 
not prepared for a general pursuit. But the enemy 
twice beaten was between two victorious armies, and 
had but one avenue of escape to the south, and that 
over a single bridge, where a portion of his force might 
have been cut off. But though the enemy's situation 
was not realized then, and though, with the knowledge 
he had, the general followed the best counsels in resting 
on the field, it is not doubted now that the enemy's 
retreat might have been pressed till night with splendid 
results. 

We rested in line of battle till nearly night, when the 
wagons came up and we bivouacked on the field. The 
battle had lasted seven hours, beginning before eight 
in the morning, and ending before three in the after- 
noon. We were fatigued, not so much from the day's 
fighting as from the hard march of yesterday. A victory 
is for a time a great equalizer of military caste. It 
obliterates the distinctions of rank ; the oflicer does not 
feel above the soldier, and the soldier feels as good as 
the officer ; all become comrades in the general rejoic- 
ing. It is hard then for the soldier to disobey the 
officer ; it is likewise hard for the officer to chide the 
soldier. And when to-night squads of the boys went 
27 



814 Mecollections ivith the TJiird Iowa. 

to the nearest farm houses, and came back TN'ith back 
loads of fresh meat, the officers, — the general himself, 
could not utter a word of disapproval. 

That night three companies of the Third Iowa, A, 
F and H, were detailed for picket. Our position was 
a half mile in advance of the bluffs, and near where the 
enemy had formed his last lines of battle. Before us 
lay an open valley which looked strangely beautiful in 
the light of the moon. Behind us were scattered 
through the woods the enemy's dead. Our own were 
yet unburied. The moon as it looked down seemed to 
be pitying the fate of the brave men that lay staring a 
death-stare at her serene countenance. The " dim-lit 
fields " and the shadowy woods surrounding them, 
possessed a weird appearance, as though the ghosts 
of the slain heroes were flitting over them. And as we 
listened to the distant barking of the wakeful dog, and 
to the meanings of the night owl, we heard, or thought 
we heard, the far off sounds of the enemy's retreating 
hosts. And there we watched while our comrades 
slept. Terrible battle ! glorious victory ! moonlight 
watching on a field of death ! — what scenes for future 
recollection ! 

Early in the morning, the 41st Illinois with two 
howitzers of Mann's battery, went forward to recon- 
noiter. They met the army of Rosecrans in pursuit 
of the enemy, who had retreated to the south, crossing 
the Ilatchie six miles above us, and thus made good 
his escape. The line of the enemy's retreat was stro\\'n 
with abandoned baggage, wagons and artillery. A large 
detail under a commissioned officer went forward to 



Hecolhdions loith tlie Third Iowa. 315 

burn them. Many squads of stragglers came in, ex- 
hausted, sick, disheartened, and telling doleful stories 
of their sufferings. The day was spent in burying the 
dead, caring for the wounded and collecting the arms 
scattered over the field, abandoned by the enemy in 
his retreat. 

Our rations were exhausted, but the country supplied 
us abundantly. On the morning of the 7th, wagons 
arrived with rations from Bolivar, and we replenished 
our haversacks and began our return march. We had 
not proceeded far before we met another train of wagons 
coming to take away such of the wounded as had not 
yet been removed. It was a matter of much regret to 
us, as we turned our backs to our field of glory, that we 
had not joined Rosecrans in the pursuit. But we were 
retiring victorious, and save the thoughts of our dead 
and wounded comrades, little served to diminish our joy. 
We halted for the night on the creek where we had taken 
dinner on Saturday, and the next day at eleven o'clock 
we reached our camp. 

Before dismissing the battalion. Colonel Trumbull 
addressed us, saying that General Lauman had compli- 
mented our good conduct in the battle, and that if our 
Generals were proud of us, we had equal reason to be 
proud of our Generals. He therefore proposed three 
cheers successively for Generals Ord, Hurlbut, Lauman, 
and Veatch, which were given with a will, and three were 
then spontaneously given for Colonel Trumbull. 

The next day Colonel Trumbull ordered the officers 
of the regiment, who had commanded companies in tho 
battle, to make out official reports, stating who, if any, 



816 Recollections with the TJiird Iowa. 

had behaved in a manner particularly meritorious, and 
■who, if any, had been guilty of misconduct. Under the 
latter head, a few were reported, whom the Colonel 
promptly arrested and confined, and reported to brigade 
headquarters with the request that they be court-mar- 
tialed and punished. 

Our loss in the whole force eno;ao;ed did not fall far 
short of six hundred in killed and wounded. Our regi- 
ment lost two killed and about sixty wounded. The 
enemy's loss in killed and wounded must have been 
much less than ours. He did not leave many in the 
field. According to the most moderate reports, the 
captures were two batteries, including fourteen caissons, 
four hundred prisoners, one thousand stand of small 
arms, and about seventy wagons, burned the next day 
on the line of his retreat. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

The Battle of Matamora — Colonel Trumbull's Official Re- 
port — General Hurlbuts parting review — His parting or- 
ders — How THEY WERE RECEIVED — CONGRATULATORY ORDERS OF 

General Grant — Telegram from the President. 

The following is Colonel Trumbull's official report 
of the part taken by the 3d Iowa in the battle of Mata- 
mora. I give it as it was furnished me from regimental 
head quarters. With all due deference to the Colonel, 
wdio commanded us so bravely, and who had a better 
opportunity of knowing our situation during the battle 
than any one man among us, I think all will agree with 
me that in some statements he has made slight mistakes. 
It was not so much the enemy's fire, though that was 
severe, that threw us into confusion beyond the bridge, 
as it was the attempt to form us in line to the right 
of the road, on the narrow space already crowded by 
broken troops. We were first ordered to charge, and 
then, by General Lauman, I believe, to file to the right, 
the general not wishing to advance us into the fire of 
our own troops, who in the tumult could not hear the 
order to cease firing. The Colonel does not mention 
that, before any attempt to reform the regiment was 
successful, the enemy had ceased firing and retired from 

the crest of the hill. This w^as due to the manner in 

317 



318 Recollections tvith the Tldrd loiva, 

"wliich General Ilurlbut had disposed on the left his yet 
available troops. The promptness with which the regi- 
ment again formed was due to the Colonel as much as 
to the men. When once all could hear and understand 
the voice of the commander, who through the tr^^ing 
storm they had seen behaving so bravely, nothing more 
was needed to bring them to their places in ranks : 

Head Quarters, 3d Iowa Infantry Camp, 1 
NEAR Bolivar, Tenn., Oct. 8, 1862. j 

Capt. H. SciiOFiELD, A. A. G. — Sir: 1 have the 
honor to report the part taken by the 3d Iowa Infantry 
in the battle of the 5th of October. The 3d Iowa, 300 
strong, was on the right of the 1st Brigade, (Gen. Lau- 
man), and formed part of the reserve. When the 
reserve was ordered into action the 3d Iowa led, cross- 
ing the bridge at a cheer, and at a double quick, under 

so severe a fire that about men were shot down 

in a few minutes, including over half of the commissioned 
officers present. This necessarily threw the regiment 
into some confusion, especially as the road was narrow 
and encumbered with a good deal of underbrush, and 
the men pressing forward got entangled with the men 
of other regiments. I saAV no way to extricate the 
regiment, but by planting the colors in the middle of the 
road, and ordering the men to rally to them. This was 
promptly done, nearly every man springing instantly 
to his place. The regiment then moved forward up 
the hill in company with other regiments which had 
adopted the same plan, the enemy retiring as we 
advanced. On reaching the summit, the 3d Iowa was 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 319 

stationed in the open plain to the left of the road, and 
toward the close of the engagement was moved to the 
right of the road near the bend of the river to support 
the gallant 28th Illinois, (Col. Johnson). The battle 
was now about over. 

I have to regret the loss of 1st Lieut. W. P. Dodd, 
commanding Company H., who was struck by a shell 
and instantly killed, just before we crossed the bridge. 
He was a brave and faithful officer, and his loss will fall 
heavily upon the regiment. I have also to regret the 
permanent disability of Capt. E. J. Weiser, of Company 
D, and acting 2d Lieut. D. W. Foote, of Company I, 
two noble and gallant officers, both of whom have been 
wounded in battle before. Capt. C. Kostman, com- 
manding Company C, and Lieut. W. B. Ilamil, com- 
manding Company K, were both severely wounded 
while gallantly pressing forward in the front of their 
respective companies. 2d Lieut. C. E. Anderson, com- 
manding Company Gr, who had done his whole duty 
through the engagement, was severely wounded just at 
the close of the battle. 1st Lieut. J. G. Scoby w^as 
especially prominent in rallying the men to the colors. 
Lieut. Geary, Company H, deserves especial men- 
tion, for staying in command of his company after the 
death of the 1st Lieutenant, all through the battle, and 
until we reached Bolivar, though suffering from a pain- 
ful, but not a severe wound. Lieutenants McMurtry 
and Burdick, of Company D, Lakin and Abernethy, of 
Company F, and Moe, of Company C, did their duty 
bravely and well. Company A. was not engaged. 2d 
Lieutenant G. H. Cushman, acting adjutant, and Ser- 



820 Recollections with (lie Third Iowa, 

geant Major, A. W. Montague, both displayed great 
coolness and courage, and rendered me valuable assist- 
ance on the field. 

The conduct of the rank and file in crossing the 
bridge, under the terrific fire of the enemy's batteries, 
and in rallying to the flag as promptly as they did, 
deserves the highest praise. Several cases of individual 
bravery among the men, I shall bring to the notice 
of the General commanding the Brigade, as soon as I 
have fully investigated the circumstances. I take 
pleasure in noticing here the gallantry of Corporal 
Anderson Edwards, the color bearer. This is the third 
fight in which he has carried the colors of the regiment, 
and he deserves the notice of the General commanding. 
I am ashamed to say that a few — a very few cases of 
misconduct in the presence of the enemy have been report- 
ed to me, wdiich on further investigation I shall submit to 
the General commanding the Brigade, with a request 
that they may be submitted to a general court martial. 

I herewith enclose a list of the killed and wounded 
of the Iowa Third in the action of the 5th. The num- 
ber of the killed is very small, considering the terrible 
character of the wounds received. 

I have the honor to be, sir, 
"With great respect. 

Your obedient servant, 
M. M. Trumbull, 
Captain Commanding 3d Iowa Infantry. 

No one can deny the justness and impartiality with 
"which this report reviews the conduct of the ofiicers and 



Recollections with the Third Iowa, 821 

men. It is to be regretted, however, that more in- 
stances of gallant conduct on the part of the latter, of 
which there were many, could not have been brought to 
light in this document. 

Nothing moer can be said of the conduct of General 
Hurlbut, than that his praise was again upon the lips of 
every man of the 4th Division. It received at the hands 
of the Government the prompt recognition it deserved. 
He was appointed to be a Major General and assigned 
to the command of the District of Jackson. He took 
a parting review of the decimated regiments which had 
marched so long and fought so well under his command. 
It was not like Napoleon taking leave of his officers at 
Fontainebleu, nor Washington's farewell to the army 
at New York ; but it was a parting, where, on both sides, 
there were far more regrets than would seem. As the 
thinned battalions marched past him, their battered flags 
saluting, with so many brave, familiar faces absent, the 
General gazed upon his men, and the men turned their 
eyes toward their general, with an aflfection which it 
does not seem possible could have grown up between 
soldier and commander in the short space of seven 
months. On turning over the command of the Division 
to General Lauman, General Hurlbut issued the follow- 
ing farewell address : 

Head Quarters Fourth Division, ^ 
District of West Tennessee, > 
Bolivar, Tenn., Oct. 8, 1862. J 
General Orders, \ 
No. 112. / 

Officers and Soldiers of the Fourth Division : — Com- 
rades in battle, partakers of the weary march and the 



322 Me collections with the Third L 



oiva. 



long watches ! By your discipline and courage the 
victory has been won, and the title of the " Fighting 
Fourth," earned at Shiloh, has been burnished with 
additional splendor on the Hatchie. 

We were ordered on a forlorn hope to the aid of our 
beleaguered brothers in arms at Corinth. The march 
was arduous, the undertaking desperate. My orders 
were to reach Rosecrans at all hazards, and relieve him 
or perish. 

By the blessing of the God of our fathers and our 
country, the forces which assailed that indomitable gar- 
rison were scattered and broken by their invincible 
courage before our turn came. But there was yet 
work for the " Old Fourth." 

The heavy mass of the enemy were retreating by the 
State Line road, when, after crossing the Muddy, we 
met them. Each arm of this division gallantly co- 
operating with the other — cavalry, infantry and artil- 
lery, over a rough and dangerous country — over hill 
and through ravines, forest and thicket — a desperate 
enemy made no breach in the serried ranks of this 
command. Aided by your brave comrades of the 68th 
Ohio and 12th Michigan, from General Ross' command, 
field after field was swept, position after position seized 
and occupied, until the crowning struggle of the day 
came for the occupation of the high grounds east of the 
Hatchie. The bridge across that stream was carried at 
a charging step ; the work of the artillery was done — 
that of the infantry commenced in deadly earnest. 
Major General Ord, a stranger to you, but to whom the 
division, by its well won reputation, was no stranger, 



Recollections ivith the Third loiva. 323 

and who had hitherto led the advance, was struck at 
the bridge and disabled ; the command then devolved 
upon your old commander. 

By misapprehension of the nature of the country 
across the Hatchie, a large portion of the division had 
been massed on impracticable ground to the right of the 
road, and exposed to a terrific fire of canister at short 
range. That you bore it without the possibility of 
active return speaks well for your discipline. 

Knowing the ground, I immediately determined to 
throw out the main force to the left, crown the hill 
side^ and flank the enemy ; and it is among the proudest 
moments of my life, when I remember how promptly 
the several regiments disengaged themselves from their 
temporary confusion and extended to the left ; and with 
wdiat a will they bent themselves to conquer the hill. 
In twenty minutes all was over — the crest was gained 
and held, the artillery rapidly in place, and the field of 
Matamora was won. The broken fragments of the 
Confederate army recoiled before your solid advance ; 
their main line of retreat was cut off, and their troops 
forced over the broken ground east of the Hatchie. 

Our duty was accomplished. Our wounded, the 
bloody witnesses to the desperation of the fight, were 
to be cared for. Already the victorious column of 
Rosecrans was thundering in their rear. It was my 
duty to bring in the forces that remained to me. 

You have returned to camp. No colors lost ; not a 
man or a gun missing. It is a triumph; and you, and 
I for you, have a right to be proud. 

With you in this achievement were associated the 



324 Recollections tvitJi the Tlihd Iowa. 

Sixtj-eiglitli Ohio and the Twelfth Michigan regiments. 
They were Avorthy to be with you, and their conduct 
receives the praise of their commanding officer. 

And now the necessities of the service remove me 
from the immediate command of the Fourth Division. 
A promotion won by your courage and discipline 
removes me to a larger command. 

I wish you to understand from these, my parting 
orders, that I know full w^ell that no regiment in my 
old division desired to be under my command when 
we met at Donelson. The reason why, I know 
well, but care not to tell now. Your respect I 
conquered at Shiloh; your regard I hope to have 
acquired since. 

Give to the officer who may succeed me the same 
prompt obedience, the same steady devotion to duty, 
and you will make me, w^herever I am, proud of the 
high reputation of the Fourth Division. 

Remember, every man and officer, that I here again 
publicly acknowledge, that whatever I may have of 
military reputation has been won by you ; and that I 
wear it only as coming from you ; and that any miscon- 
duct or want of discipline on your part, will grieve your 
old commander. Remember that I place my honor as 
well as your own in your hands, and that if I find a 
difficult place that must be held, I shall call for the 
Fourth. I have no fears how you will answer. 

Our dead — our glorious dead! The joy of victory 
is dimmed when we think of them. But they have died 
as they would wish — died in defense of the Union and 
the Laws — died bravely on the red field of battle, with 



ReeoUedions with the Third Iowa, 825 

their imconquered banner over them. Their comrades 
will avenge them. 

And when at last our victorious flag shall float over 
the national domain, reconquered and united, and the 
weary soldier shall forget his toils in the endearments 
of home, around your firesides and among your children 
and neighbors, you shall recite as a part of your glori- 
ous history, how you swept the rebel hosts, with every 
advantage of position, across the Hatchie, and around 
the opposing hill, with a wall of fire and steel that 
repelled the chosen troops of Van Dorn and Price. 
Infantry, artillery and cavalry of the Fourth Division, 
and your well-deserving companions of the 68th Ohio 
and 12th Michigan, you have done your duty, each in 
his place, and each at the right time. You have satis- 
fied your General ; and the country in due time shall 
know what is due to each of you. I bid you, for a 
while, farewell. 

Officers and men, continue to deserve your lofty 
reputation ; and then, as heretofore you will continue to 
receive the approbation of your General and strengthen 
his hands in the performance of his duties. 

S. A. HuRLBUT, Major General. 

This address was eagerly sought for, and read with 
the greatest pride and delight by all the soldiers of the 
Division. Every copy that could be supplied was taken 
and preserved as a choice memento, or sent home to 
friends. The boys read and re-read it so often that some 
even had it committed to memory. Neither in it nor 
in its author could any one see a blemish. Well, who 



826 Reeolledions with the Third loiva, 

could blame us for rejoicing in our splendid victory, 
and in our idol and ideal general ? If our comrades of 
other corps could not see it as we did, surely tliey should 
have been willing to allow us to believe that there was 
no division like the " Fighting Fourth," and no general 
like " Old Steve." To them the order may have seemed 
too eloquent — too boastful, and we, in the excess of our 
delight over it, making a ridiculous display of vain con- 
ceit. But was not the theme an eloquent one ? — and 
who had a better right to boast than our general, and 
who to be proud than ^ve ? 

General Grant viewed these battles at a distance, 
though he controlled the general movements. His 
order of thanks was more temperate, and perhaps more 
appropriate. It read as follows : 

Head Quarters, District of West Tennessee, 1 
Jackson, Tenn., October 7th, 1862. J 

General Orders, \ 
No. 88. / 

It is with heartfelt gratitude that the General com- 
manding congratulates the armies of the West for an- 
other great victory won by them on the 3d, 4th, and 
5th instant over the combined forces of Van Dorn 
and Lovell. 

The enemy chose his own time and place of making 
the attack, and knowing the troops of the West as he 
does, never would have made the attack, except with a 
superior force, numerically. But for the undaunted 
bravery of officers and soldiers, who have yet to learn 
defeat, the efforts of the enemy would have been suc- 
cessful. 



BecoUedions with the Third Iowa. 327 

Whilst one division of the army under Major General 
Kosecrans "svas resisting and repelling the onslaught of 
the enemy at Corinth, another from Bolivar under 
Major General Hurlbut, was marching upon the ene- 
my's rear, driving in his pickets and cavalry, and 
attracting the attention of a large force of infantry and 
artillery. On the following day, under Major General 
Ord, these forces advanced with unsurpassed gallantry, 
driving the enemy back across the Hatchie, over ground 
where it is almost incredible that a superior force should 
be driven by an inferior, capturing two batteries (eight 
guns), many hundred small arms, and several hun- 
dred prisoners. To these two divisions of the army 
all praise is due, and will be awarded by a grateful 
country. 

Between them there should be, and I trust there is, 
the warmest bonds of brotherhood. Each was risking 
his life in the same cause, and on this occasion risking 
it to save and assist the other. No troops could do 
more than these separated armies. Each did all pos- 
sible for it to do in the place assigned it. 

As in all great battles, so in this, it becomes our fate 
to mourn the loss of many brave and faithful officers 
and soldiers, who have given up their lives a sacrifice 
for a great principle. The nation mourns for them. 

By command of Major General Grant, 

John A. Eawlins, A. A. G. 

I must not omit the- President's congratulatory letter, 
written in his characteristic way, wdiich General Grant 
published in the following order : 



328 Recollections with the TJiird Iowa. 

Head Quarters, District of West Tennessee, \ 
Jackson, Tenn., October 17, 1862. J 
General Orders, ) 
No. 89. / 

The following dispatch from the President of the 
United States of America, has been officially received, 
and is published to the armies in this District. 

Washington, D. C, Oct. 8, 1862. 
Major General Grant ; I congratulate you and all 
concerned in your recent battles and victories. How 
does it all sum up ? I especially regret the death of 
General Hackleman, and am very anxious to know the 
condition of General Oglesby, who is a personal and 
intimate friend. A. Lincoln. 

By command of Major General Grant, 

John A. Rawlins, A. A. G. 



CHAPTER XXIY. 

Organization and changes — Reconnoissance by General 
Ross — Disposition of the Hatchie prisoners— The State election 

IN OUR regiments EFFECT OF THE NEAVS OF THE NOBTHERN ELEC- 
TIONS UPON OUR TROOPS — WlLB REPORTS OF THE ENEMY's ADVANCE 

Fortifying— Preparations for a general advance — Arrival 
OF General Grant — Grand review — Arrival of new regi- 
ments — Reorganization of our division — General marching 
ORDERS — First day's march — Second day's march — Vandalism 
of the troops — Junction with the left wing — Our camp at La- 
grange — Order against vandalism — Position of the enemy — 
Preparations and reconnoissances — Daily inspection of ammu- 
nition — Arrival of Colonel Williams — Resignation of Lieut. 
Col, Trumbull — The Somerville march — Reviews and march- 
ing orders. 

Brigadier Gen. Lauman assumed command of the 
4th Division, and Colonel Pugh again took command 
of the 1st Brigade, which he had commanded so well in 
the battle of Shiloh. Major General McPherson was 
put in command of the 2d Division of the District of 
Jackson, — embracing the country around Bolivar held 
by the 4th Division and the troops of General Ross, the 
previous command of General Hurlbut and still in- 
cluded in his command, — with his headquarters at 
Bolivar. 

On the 9th of October, General Ross went out to 
reconnoiter in the direction of Ripley, but returned 
28 329 



830 Recollections iviih the Third Iowa. 

without meeting anytliing of consequence. "We again 
relapsed into the quiet of camp life, and began our cus- 
tomary drills and revie^ys. Our wounded were cared 
for in the hospitals at Bolivar, but as fast as they were 
able to be moved, were sent to Jackson and further 
north. The prisoners taken in the late battle were sent 
under escort of the 28th Illinois to Holly Springs, and 
delivered over to be exchanged. 

While at this camp we witnessed among ourselves 
the novel experiment of soldiers being allowed to vote 
on matters which pertain to their State, and to their 
several communities at home. The commissioner ap- 
pointed, in pursuance of the act of the Legislature, to 
take the vote of our regiment, P. F. Crane, Esq., of 
Fayette county, arrived several days before that of the 
election, and much of the time during his stay with us 
enjoyed the hearty but rough hospitalities of Company 
F. No military duty interfering, the election was held 
on the usual day for the State, the 14th of the month. 
That morning the minoi^s were sent on picket to give 
all the legal voters a chance. The polls were opened at 
the Adjutant's tent. The whole affair passed off with 
a marvelous degree of quiet and order. There was no 
drunkenness, no wire-pulling, no trickery, no coercion, 
no undue persuasion. If some of our fellow citizens at 
home could have witnessed the election, characterized 
by not a single disgraceful scene, but Avhere every man, 
like a citizen sovereign, voted unquestioned the ticket 
of his choice, they would have been put to shame at the 
disgraceful conduct which marks many elections held 
amid the restraining influences of society and civilization. 



Reeolleciions with the TJiird Iowa, 331 

And could they have seen it, how it would have put to 
shame (if aught could put to shame), the detested, cor- 
rupt, traitorous and cowardly crew, who advocated the 
withholding of this just and simple right from the men 
who, they would allege, had forfeited it, because they 
had placed themselves a voluntary living wall between 
them and their country's foes ! No event ever did more 
honor to the patriotism and wisdom of a legislative 
body, than did these elections to the Legislature of Iowa. 
Most of those who had hitherto voted or sympathized 
with the Democratic party, viewing its present workings 
as tending more to embarrass the Government than to 
reform its abuses, the vote for its candidates was very 
light — less than forty out of about three hundred votes 
cast. (I write from memory and can not give the official 
figures.) And what was still m.ore significant, Mahoney, 
the traitor, only got two votes ! 

When the results of the Northern elections became 
known, it cast a gloom over the great majority of our 
regiment, and of the regiments around us. A crushing 
defeat of our main armies would not have had so chilling 
an effect on the inorale of our best troops as this. 
Waiving all consideration of the questions involved, it 
was too plain to all that these elections indicated a 
dissatisfaction with the administration, an opposition to 
the prosecution of the war, a sympathy with the common 
enemy, and in general, a disaffection among the people, 
where all should be struggling unitedly for the salvation 
of the Republic. Though anany good and patriotic 
men acted with the party, we could not but see that, 
with scarcely an exception, every traitor in the North 



832 Recollections tviiJi iJie Third Iowa. 

likewise acted with it, and we heard with mortification 
and rage the exultations of the enemy, who proclaimed 
its triumph as a triumph of their cause among us. But 
the most alarming feature of this indication of disaffec- 
tion to the Government was, that it took place at a time 
when the two main armies of the enemy were scarcely 
checked in their marches of victory, — when his hordes 
on the Potomac and the Ohio had scarcely begun to 
recoil from their attempted invasion of our homes and 
firesides. That, at a time when the public danger 
increased, a portion of the people should have increased 
their factious opposition to the Government, was to the 
brave soldiers struggling against an all but successful 
enemy, really disheartening. In such times as these, 
it should be the chief lesson of the citizen to learn, that, 
however w^eak or lacking in wisdom the Chief of the 
State may be, the only resource of the nation's safety 
is for the people to rally around him as one man, and 
to accomplish by spontaneous action what he fails to do. 
Honor and gratitude to those who stand by their 
country's Chief when danger thickens ; but to those 
who desert him and turn against him, let due infamy 
be accorded. 

We still had wild and ridiculous reports of the enemy 
advancing upon us in great force. The Memphis Bul- 
letin promulgated them, and many of the soldiers 
believed them with a credulity that was disgraceful. 
They did not stop to think that the enemy's army was 
numerically less than ours ; and that his force being 
manifestly equal to ours at all other points, could not 
be superior to it here. Whether the generals believed 



Recollections witli the Third loiva. 383 

these reports or not, it is difficult to say. At least tliey 
beo^an to construct fortifications at Bolivar, and for this 
purpose heavy details were made each day, and the 
work was pressed vigorously until, under the personal 
supervision of Major General McPherson, himself an 
engineer of the first order, a line of works were con- 
structed by no means inferior in character, and capable 
of protecting the front of a large army. 

But in the midst of these defensive operations, prepa- 
rations for a general advance began. A six months 
supply of clothing, camp and garrison equipage, was 
issued to the troops ; draught animals were shod, and 
wagons put in a state of repair ; and an immense quan- 
tity of ordnance stores was brought forward. On the 
28th of October the guns of Fort Sanderson announced 
the arrival of Major General Grant. In making prepa- 
rations for a campaign, the first thing a general wants 
to know is the number and condition of his effective 
troops, and in order to make this investigation in a 
satisfactory manner, it is very desirable that he should 
see them. Accordingly the following morning was 
memorable for a grand review. The two divisions were 
drawn up in hollow square near Fort Sanderson. The 
lines thus formed were nearly three miles in length, 
exclusive of cavalry and artillery. The appearance 
of General Grant Avas the signal for a salvo of thirteen 
guns. He rode at a slow walk along the lines, eyeing 
the troops with great scrutiny. Exclusive of numbers, 
there was not in this review much of the " pomp and 
circumstance of w^ar." At those points of the line where 
the General was at a distance and not approaching, the 



334 Recollections with the Third loiva. 

men, excessively fatigued with standing still, sat down, 
and in some places the ranks became quite broken. 
We then passed in review before the General, and re- 
turned to our camp through suffocating clouds of dust. 

Meanwhile new regiments, organized in the summer, 
began to arrive, and were distributed among the old 
brigades. The 4th Division was reorganized so as to 
be composed of three brigades, the 1st under command 
of Colonel Pugh, the 2d, of Colonel Hall, 14th Illinois, 
the 3d under command of the gallant E. K. Johnson, 
of the 28th Illinois. The 1st Brigade was composed 
of the 3d Iowa, 53d and 103d Illinois; the 2d Brigade 
of the 14th, 15th, 4()th and 76th Illinois; the 3d Brigade 
of the 28th and 32d Illinois, and the 53d Indiana and 
12th Wisconsin. The latter was a splendid regiment 
numbering nearly a thousand men. It had seen much 
service, but had never been in action. The 25th Indiana, 
was detached from the division some time after this 
at Lagrange. Until then it continued with the 
2d Brigade. 

On the 1st of November we received marching orders. 
The recent order of General Halleck, reducing the trans- 
Dortation of the army, was now in our cases put into 
effect. We were to take but six teams to the regiment. 
Officers were required to confine their baggage to 
valises instead of trunks, and to turn over their surplus 
baggage, at their option, to the Depot Quartermaster 
for storage, who would receipt for the same. Three 
days rations were taken in haversacks, and two in the 
wagons. Our surplus wagons were detailed to haul 
the baggage of the 103d. 



Recollections wiiJi the TJiird loiva. 835 

At daylight the camps had disappeared from the 
fiekls, the batteries were limbered up, long lines of 
bao-o-ao-e wao-ons stood where the camps had been, and 
dark columns of infantry completed the scene. Before 
eight o'clock the cokunn stretched out on the Grand 
Junction road. The men were in excellent spirits ; 
for it was generally believed that we were going this 
time to stay. The road was somewhat dusty, but the 
day was cool and the march easy. We made ten miles 
and camped south of Spring Creek, near where General 
Lauman had halted and shelled the enemy in his 
mem.orable retreat. General McPherson believed in 
military discipline ; and notwithstanding the men were 
tired with carrying their heavy knapsacks, he caused a 
strong camp guard to be posted around each regiment, 
and ordered that the men be confined strictly to its 
limits. The arrangement created great displeasure 
towards him. It was repeated, though in a milder 
degree, in all our subsequent marches under him. 
Before night, Logan's division came up and camped 
near us. 

The following day's march was characterized by a 
degree of vandalism which was disgraceful to all con- 
cerned in it, and even to the army at large. Fences 
and buildings were set on fire all along the line of 
march, and in some instances almost under the eye 
of General Grant. Decent respect to our General 
should have spared him the sight of such humiliating 
occurrences. Most of it was laid to the cavalry in 
advance. 

Near Grand Junction where the State line road 



336 Recollections with the Third loiva. 

crosses the one on which we were marching, we found 
the head of General Hamilton's column, coming from 
Corinth, but now at a halt and w^aiting for our column 
to defile past and take the Lagrange road to the 
right. 

The right wing, General McPherson, went into 
camp around Lagrange, and the left wing along Wolf 
River, south of Grand Junction, and near Davis' Bridge. 
The Cd Iowa went into camp that night on the precise 
ground it had occupied in the summer. General 
McPherson established his headquarters in an elegant 
building near us. The railroad was repaired from 
Bolivar, and preparations for a continued advance 
immediately began. 

The vandalism of both wings of the army in burning 
fences and buildings on the march hither, called forth a 
severe order from General Grant. This failing to ac- 
complish its purpose, another one was issued assessing 
the amount of property destroyed to the smallest corps 
to Avhich the act could be traced, wdicther division, 
brigade, regiment, company, detachment, or single man ; 
the amount to be assessed against them, or him, on their 
pay rolls, and deducted from their pay. This had the 
desired cifect for a while, but it was soon forgotten. 

The enemy under Van Dorn and Price were camped 
south of us, at, or this side of Holly Springs. The time 
we lay at this point was consumed in preparatory 
reconnoissanccs, rebuilding the railroad bridge over 
Wolf River south of Grand Junction, and otherwise 
preparing for a general invasion of Mississippi. 

About noon, November Sth, an order came to our 



Recollections with the Third loxva. 337 

regiment to march immediately in light order, taking 
one day's rations in haversacks. It Avas a reconnois- 
sance of the 1st Brigade -with a section of Mann's 
Battery, Col. Pugh in command. Captain McCall was 
in command of the 3d Iowa. We moved south, taking 
the Holly Springs road, and, when about eight miles 
beyond our outposts, those of the enemy came in sight. 
Our infantry deployed on either side of the road, and 
our artillery commenced throwing shells. The country 
was open and level, and alForded a fine view. We could 
see our shells strike the ground and burst about three- 
quarters of a mile from us. 

The enemy fled, and we again advanced. About sun- 
down our cavalry came up with the retreating cavalry 
of the enemy and repulsed them after a brief skirmish, 
in which the rebels lost one killed and two wounded. 
Darkness coming on, w^e retraced our steps and arrived 
in Lagrange about 9 o'clock, having made in one 
afternoon a march of eighteen miles, besides some 
skirmishing. 

The following evening an order was read to our regi- 
ment on parade that the troojDS of the division w^ould 
hold themselves in readiness to march in the morning 
on a reconnoissance, in force, with the exception of two 
regiments of Gen. Yeatch's Brigade, one of which was 
to be left to guard Ball's Bridge, and the other as a 
reserve and for picket duty, and one regiment of Col. 
Johnson's Brigade left to guard the bridge over Wolf 
River on the Holly Springs road, and one battery also 
to be left behind. We were to be provided with two 

day's rations in haversacks, and one hundred rounds of 
29 



338 Recolleclions with the TJtird loiva. 

ammunition to the man. The imprudence of reading 
such an order, on a public parade, is at once apparent. 
A single citizen might have conveyed its contents to 
the enemy, and he, taking advantage of our folly in 
thus informing him of our force and designs, might 
have punished it severely. 

We moved at 9 o'clock, taking the Holly Springs 
road. Major General McPherson was in command, 
and General Lauman was also along. Captain McCall 
commanded the 3d Iowa. A steady march without any 
exciting incident brought us late in the afternoon to the 
brick church near Lamar, where the division had camped 
previously in the summer, when under Sherman. AVe 
had scarcely stacked arms when a distant noise of skir- 
mishing began in front. At first we paid little atten- 
tion to it ; but soon it increased into indistinct voUies. 
We were ordered to keep on our accoutrements and to 
be ready to foil in line at any moment. Two companies, 
one of them Company K, of our regiment, under Lieut. 
Lakin of Company F, Avere sent out as skirmishers in 
a thick wood on the right. Just as we had got enough 
grass pulled to sleep on, we were ordered to take a new 
position, half a mile in advance. 

We had not gone to sleep when various accounts of 
the skirmishing we had heard in advance began to come 
in. It proved to have been an affair of the cavalry. 
Ours, three battalions, respectively, of the 1st West 
Tennessee (mounted infantry), the 7th Kansas Jay- 
hawkers (mounted infantry), and the 2d Illinois 
(cavalry), came up with the enemy's, consisting of two 
battalions of Jackson's celebrated cavalry under Col. 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 839 

Montgomery. A ruse was adopted to draw the rebels 
into a trap. Our mounted infantry dismounted and 
concealing themselves on either side of the road, which 
ran through a narrow lane, the 2d Illinois Battalion 
then advanced, and coming upon the enemy, appeared 
to be confounded at his numbers, and began a precipi- 
tate retreat. The enemy pursued with great haste, 
and when he came between the two lines of dismounted 
infantry, they opened a sudden fire upon him. ^' Amaze- 
ment seized the rebel thrones." They whirled about in 
great panic and began to retreat. But before they 
turned, the boys had shot down several horses in the 
rear of their column. Upon these poor animals, plunging 
and floundering, now rushed the whole mass, pent up in 
the narrow lane. The boys closed in on them, and suc- 
ceeded in securing one captain and sixty-four men, 
many of whom were horribly bruised and mutilated. 
Besides these, two or three had been killed. 

But this impudent trick was soon after surpassed by 
the ambitious Jayhawkers. Lying in wait, they saw a 
large party of the enemy move up and post themselves 
as a grand guard. The Ja^^hawkers waited till they got 
well asleep, and then crept up behind them, and woke 
them up to tell them they were prisoners. The whole 
thing was accomplished without any noise or disturbance. 
A few minutes after, a sergeant came up. He, too, was 
taken. Then came a lieutenant and a private. They 
shared the same fate. 

I give the accounts of these exploits furnished by 
men who participated in them. The prisoners we saw, 
talked with, and counted. They numbered a hundred 



840 Recollections with the Tldrd Iowa. 

and twelve. They were without uniform, though not 
ragged — but a dirtv, wo-begone looking set. Many 
were horribly bruised and clotted with blood. They 
said that if Jackson had been in command their disaster 
in the lane would never have happened. But he had 
been proraoted to be a brigadier general, and Mont- 
gomery, his successor, had proven himself incompetent 
to fill the place. 

Most of the next day, the infantry and artillery 
remained where they had spent the night; but the 
cavalry pushed on as far as Cold Water River, where 
it met the enemy in force of infantry and artillery, and 
was forced back. We heard the dull booming of his 
cannon when they opened upon our cavalry, and guessed 
correctly what the sounds meant. Soon after, the 3d 
Iowa was sent forward to support the cavalry, but after 
advancing about two miles was recalled. The cavalry 
retired deliberately and the enemy did not pursue. 

About four in the afternoon, we took up the return 
march for Lagrange. The air was cool, and when once 
in motion we led out at a brisk pace. The dust was 
somewhat annoying, but w^hat was more so, the troops 
had set fire to the fields and fences, and we were com- 
pelled to march along burning lanes through intense 
smoke and heat, between two lines of fire. A¥e reached 
our camps about eight o'clock in the evening. 

After this reconnoissance, by order of General Mc- 
Pherson, the ammunition in the cartridge boxes of the 
men was inspected eacli day on dress parade by a staff 
ofiicer sent for the purpose. Forty rounds of cartridge 
"were furnished each man, and whenever a deficiency 



Recollections with the TJiird Iowa. 841 

was found that the soldier could not account for, he was 
charged at the rate of fifty cents for each cartridge. 
The boys were very careful never to get caught without 
their full number. Should they find their number short, 
it was easy to borrow for the time of some comrade who 
did not go on parade. When the marches again com- 
menced the arrangement was dispensed with. 

About this time General Lauman was succeeded in 
the command of the 4th Division by Brig. Gen. McKean. 
Our regiment listened to his parting orders with ex- 
treme regret. I do not know whether this feeling 
was common to the whole division ; but the soldiers 
of the 1st Brigade felt that he was their general, 
and feared our division would not get another com- 
mander who would be so proud of his trust and fulfil it 
so well. 

At Lagrange, Col. Williams again joined us. His 
appearance was greeted with many demonstrations of 
disrespect on the part of the rank and file. Captain 
Smith, who had been home on recruiting service, came 
with him. The Captain was well and warmly received. 
Lieutenant Crosley also joined us about that time ; but 
was soon after detailed as aid on the stafi* of the 
brigade. Lieut. Col. Trumbull, who had been compelled 
to remain behind on account of sickness, joined us from 
Bolivar. He soon after tendered his resignation for 
reasons which were well understood and appreciated by 
his friends. It was not without much difiiculty that he 
procured its acceptance. General McPherson at first 
refusing his concurrence. With scarcely an excep- 
tion, he parted from us with the sincere regrets and 



342 Recollections with the Third Iowa, 

good wishes of the whole regiment, both officers and 
nien.-'^ 

The morning of the 23d of November is memorable 
for the most remarkable march ever performed by our 
regiment. The enemy's cavalry appeared in our rear 
in the direction of SomxCrville, about sixteen miles north- 
east of Lagrange. Our cavalry was at the time busy 
with the enemy in front. Accordingly, the 3d Iowa, 
the 41st Illinois and a section of artillery were sent to 
look after them. V^e marched at six o'clock. Colonel 
Trumbull stood before his tent as we started. The 
tears came into the gallant Colonel's eyes as he looked 
at the boys for the last time. We w^ere delayed for 
some reason near General McKean's head quarters, and 
did not leave the town till eight o'clock. Marching 
leisurely, and halting for a short rest, at a small stream 
seven miles out, we reached Somerville at one o'clock. 
The guerrillas were of course gone. After resting till 
half past two, we began the return march. Our regi- 

* This gallant and high-minded officer joined us with some mili- 
tary experience, having served in the Mexican war. He was with 
us in all our battles, and on all occasions behaved with a degree 
of courage and resolution seldom equalled, nowhere surpassed. 
In camp and on the march his conduct was no less meritorious. 
lie kept himself thoroughly acquainted with his duties, and on all 
occasions commanded the highest personal and official respect. 
His generosity knew no distinction of rank ; for a gallant officer 
or soldier he could not do too much, and there was but one otFcnse 
which he could not forgive : misbehavior in the face of the enemy. 
To those guilty of this he was particularly intolerant. In short, 
he possessed in a high degree the elements which make up a suc- 
cessful soldier, and his comrades, and tliose wiio served under him, 
have learned with gratiticatiou that he is again in the service, as 
colonel of the 9th Jowa Cavalry, with the gallant Knight, first 
lieutenant and then captain of his old company in the od Iowa, as 
lieutenant-colonel. 



Recollections ivith the Third loiua. 343 

ment, which had hitherto been in the rear, was now in 
advance. The column at once assumed a brisk gait. 
Soon after, a courier arrived ;vith a dispatch from Gen. 
McKean to hasten back, as a general movement was on 
foot. The speed of the march was now accelerated, so 
as to keep the artillery horses much of the time at a 
trot. The officers must have known that it was impos- 
sible for the men to march at so unreasonable a frait : 
to keep in the ranks was out of the question. Many 
fell behind and some sank exhausted by the w^aj. It 
w^as after dark when we reached the creek where we 
had rested in the forenoon Here about two hundred, 
including the stragglers that came up, remained and 
passed the night without an officer or a picket posted. 
It was perhaps well that the enemy did not know their 
situation. When we reached the pickets, many more 
fell out of the ranks and remained around their fires. 
Only about twenty men and two officers reached camp 
with their colors — a fitting eulogium on fast marching. 
Nearly all, however, were present at morning roll-call, 
thus showing that they did not leave the ranks from a 
disposition not to acquit themselves in the most credita- 
ble manner. This extraordinary march of thirty-two 
miles in twelve hours called forth a complimentary order 
from General McKean. 

Meanwhile, Capt. Brown, whose resignation had been 
accepted at Bolivar, returned as major, and assumed 
command of the regiment, Col. Williams still being sick. 
The captain had been promoted while home, at the request 
of a majority of the officers of the regiment. His ap- 
pointment gave very general satisfaction among the men. 



844 Recollections zvith the Tldrd Iowa. 

General Grant returned from Columbus, whither he 
had been to consult with Gen. Sherman. He reviewed 
the troops by brigades, and caused orders to be issued 
for the animals to be shod and subsistence drawn for 
an immediate march. The enemy was in force and 
fortified at Abbeville, south of Holly Springs, on the 
Tallahatchie. General Sherman marched from Mein* 
phis on the 26th of November, taking direction to the 
right of his position. Orders came on the 27th for us 
to march in the m.orninoj at 6 o'clock, takinsr all our 
baggage, three days rations in haversacks, and two in 
wagons. On account of the limited transportation, we 
would have to carry our knapsacks, now containing our 
winter's supply of clothing, and very heavy. On this 
account we promised ourselves anything but an easy 
march. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

The army ix motion to the south — Character and scenes op 

THE FIRST day's MARCH A PICTURE OF THE OLD SOLDIER IN 

BIVOUAC, AND A GLANCE AT HIS DOMESTIC ARRANGEMENTS — ThE 

march of Nov. 29. — Bivouac at Holly Springs — Marching 

THROUGH THE CITY An EARTHQUAKE — ThE CAVALRY DIVISION AND 

THE enemy's REAR GUARD CANNONADING CaMP AT LuMKIn'S 

Mills— A storm — Movement of Sherman, retreat of the enemy 

AND ADVANCE OF TROOPS — OUR DIVISION LEFT BEHIND THINGS TO 

THE FRONT — We ADVANCE— ReBEL WORKS ON THE TALLAHATCHIE 

Scenes and scenery of the day's march — Camp at Hurricane 
Creek — Oxford — Join the main army at Yockona Creek — The 
33d Wisconsin — The situation and movements — Raid op Van 
DoRN — Movements to open the communications. 

Reveille sounded at 4 o'clock. We cooked break- 
fast, packed knapsacks and haversacks, filled canteens, 
loaded wagons and fell into line. Major Brown was in 
the saddle. It was cheering to the members of Com- 
pany F, to see their former esteemed Captain at the 
head of the regiment. The field music struck up the 
old familiar marching tune, " The Girl I left behind 
me," and the regiment marched out and took its posi- 
tion in the column on the bluffs of the river. Here we 
waited for the 2d and 3d Brigades to pass, watching in 
the meantime their column of dark iniantry mixed with 
white covered wagons, as it extended to the south. It 
was a grand spectacle to see the right wing of the 
army stretching over those broad and open fields fur- 

345 



846 Recollections ivitli the TJiird loiva. 

ther into the land of the enemy. And when each soldier 
thought, " I am a part of this grand movement ; little 
as I am, I am helping to make history," he felt an 
exultation known only to men in the hour of great 
enterprises or of great success. 

The left wing was also in motion on the road south 
from Grand Junction. Where that road unites with the 
one on which we were marching, six miles south of Wolf 
River, the right wing halted, and the left wing assumed 
the advance. 

The roads were most favorable for marching, but the 
sky was overcast with leaden clouds, and the wind blew 
cold and raw from the northwest. During the frequent 
halts occasioned by the great length of the trains, the 
men would tear down the fences and build fires, around 
wdiich to warm themselves. So frequent were the halts, 
and so great the length of the column, that before night 
the way was almost a continuous line of fire. These 
fires extended through the dry leaves and stubble, and 
communicated themselves to the fences, till at length 
we seemed to be marching through a perpetual bonfire. 
The sun went down, and darkness began to gather 
around, when, all at once through a sudden rift in the 
gloomy clouds, the red twilight broke gloriously, \vhile 
to the east whither the wind was blowing, the flames 
of burning fences, fields and buildings, lit up the sky, 
which glared vengefully upon us as we marched along. 
It was a scene worthy a poet or painter. It w^as the 
splendor of desolation. A vast invading army march- 
ing through a blaze of the ruin it had made ! Whether 
it were intentional or accidental, we could not but 



Recollections with the Third loiva. 347 

deplore such a destruction of property. We knew that 
the world Avould consider such doings intentional, and 
that they would be a lasting stigma upon our name. 
There were some among us that rejoiced at it ; but 
many shuddered instinctively at seeing ourselves re- 
enacting the deedswh ich have made the name of vmidal 
the execration of all ages. 

The advance infantry camped for the night at Cold 
Water. But our division, though it marched two hours 
after night, camped near the familiar brick church 
south of Lamar. Here there was no water for the 
- animals, and scarcely enough for the men. The wagons 
parked as they traveled, by brigades. On account of 
the weight of our knapsacks, the slowness of the march, 
and the frequent halts, we were excessively fatigued, 
and when the order was given to file to the right, we had 
scarcely patience enough left to go through the remain- 
ing movement of halt ! — close up — front ! center dress ! 
front ! fix - bayonets ! shoulder - arms ! stack - arms ! 
break ranks — march ! 

And here a stranger could have observed in all its 
reality the habits of the old soldier on the march. His 
knapsack is packed, not according to regulations, but 
to suit his own convenience. His haversack contains 
three days rations of bread, sugar and coffee, and a sure 
supply of salt. For his meat he trusts chiefly to fortune 
and to the enemy's pig-pens and hen-roosts. Outside 
his haversack hangg all that is left of some merry oyster 
supper, — a small tin can with a wire bail — his coffee 
pot. His canteen is never empty when water can be 
procured, unless it contains something sweeter or 



848 RecoUeetions with the Third loiva 

stronger than water. When the regiment halts for the 
night and breaks ranks, his first purpose is to explore 
the near neighborhood, and espy and sieze whatever he 
can of fresh meat, which having brought in, he divides 
liberally among his comrades, after reserving the best 
piece to himself. He then proceeds to improvise a fire 
if his comrades have not a place for him by the side 
of theirs. And here let me say to all uninitiated sol- 
diers, that whatever may be said in favor of green 
hickory, or dry oak tops, experience has taught me that 
well-seasoned rails make decidedly the best camp-fire in 
Secession Land. When he has built his fire, by chance 
he draws his gun from the stack, and brings his knap- 
sack close to the welcome blaze, and sits down upon it, 
with his canteen, haversack and cartridge-box at hand. 
He fills his ^' coffee kettle " and puts it on the coals. 
He cuts a piece of meat, salts it, sticks his ramrod into 
it, and commences broiling it in the blaze. And then, 
should the Orderly Sergeant be heard calling him to go 
on guard or fatigue, — well, no one will blame me for 
not rehearsing word for word the strict manner in which 
he complains of the Fates. If he is so fortunate as 
to escape this, when his supper is over (relished no 
where so well), he gathers a heap of dry leaves, or it 
may be, breaks a bundle of broom sedge, upon which he 
spreads his blankets, and soon, his feet to the fire and 
his head in the land of cool air and pleasant dreams, 
till the morning drum or the night alarm, he is oblivious 
to the weary world. 

Ranging among the fires, the stranger will perceive 
that the manner of this soldier varies greatly among 



Recollections ivitli the Third loiva. 849 

the others. Some, like him, find it good to be alone. 
Others, like geese, choose their mates and go in pairs. 
Others, gregarious, go in herds of six or eight. These 
variations in the size of families, cause as many modifi- 
cations in the mode of life, Avhich in all cases has 
reference to the general principle of acquiring the most 
comfort with the least possible labor. 

November 29. We were aroused earlv, and were 
ready to move at daylight. But we were to be rear 
guard to-day, and had to wait for other troops to move 
out. The sun rose. Weary and stiff, we slung knap- 
sacks and moved into the road. Slowly and with much 
halting the trains took the road, and by eight o'clock 
the column was again in motion. The roads were 
dusty, and the halts were more frequent and annoying 
than yesterday. 

At 2 P. M., we reached Cold Water, where the left 
wing camped last night. Here we halted to rest and 
water our animals, and it was after dark when the 
march Vv'as resumed, and we did not reach Holly 
Springs till 11 P. M. Here we halted for the night. 
We built fires of the garden fences, and made our beds 
of forage taken from the barns of the citizens. Who 
could blame us ? When the alternative was a cheerless 
night with no supper but that in our haversacks, and a 
bed upon the damp ground, what soldier would have 
done less ? 

And now, once more, those of the dwellers of this beau- 
tiful city who had not fled with their retiring army, saw 
on all sides the camp fires of " the Invader," and heard 
upon their sidewalks the tread of "Vandal" sentinels. 



350 BecoUedions ivitli the Third Iowa. 

November 30 — Sunday. The drums "woke us at four 
o'clock, and though our short sleep had illy sufficed to 
refresh us, the admonitions of our officers, that we were 
soon to march, forbade any further attempt at repose. 
At daylight, the 3d Iowa leading the Division, we 
marched through the principal street of the city, with 
our files neatly dressed, to the sound of martial music. 
Vain parade ! There were no citizens to witness it — 
none to admire it. If we had a terror for our enemy, 
^\e had inspired it in the confusion of battle, not by 
keeping step on review to sounds of fife and drum. 

The day was cloudy, and the wind blew soft and damp 
from the south. For a while we moved rapidly ; but 
soon subsided into a more reasonable gait. In the fore- 
noon, while taking a short rest, we experienced a per- 
ceptible shock of an earthquake, which was also felt at 
Cairo and St. Louis. Reports frequently came that the 
cavalry division under Colonel Dickey, were skirmish- 
ing with the enemy's rear guard, and that he had cap- 
tured two cannon. 

As we approached Lumkin's Mills, a sudden burst 
of artillery saluted our ears. The sound put Colonel 
Pugh in ecstacies ; and looking around, he called out in 
his peculiar tone of voice, "Boys, d'ye hear that?" 
The discharges were frequent and the deep valleys 
prolonged the sounds into deep echoes such as we had 
never heard before. It was the cavalry division en- 
gaging the enemy's nearest troops north of the Talla- 
hatchie. This firing lasted nearly two hours, and not 
knowing the cause of it, we took it to be the beginning 
of a general engagement. We had been the rearmost 



Recollections with the Third loiva. 351 

division in the marcli ; and coming up -^Titli the troops 
of the other divisions, we found them camped on a high, 
commanding ridge which rises along the north bank 
of the stream which turns Lumkin's Mills, and overlooks 
a more level tract southward toward the Tallahatchie. 
We camped in advance of them, the 1st Brigade on the 
plain in the extreme advance. 

The cannonade died away with the daylight ; and 
soon after the artillery of Heaven in louder and longer 
echoes began to shake the hills. We hastily put up 
tents in expectation of a storm. It came sweeping 
from the west with loud crashings of thunder — a perfect 
tornado. Our tents fell before it, and the water ran in 
streams under our blankets. Many of us were com- 
pelled to seek warmth around our re-enkindled fires. 
And here, though the body suffered, the mind could not 
but feel exalted in the presence of such a grand com- 
motion of the elements. The crashing thunder, the 
intense darkness, relieved only by the frequent light- 
nings and the camp fires of the army extending far and 
wide to the north, and the rushing wind, were in the 
highest degree sublime. In the morning God had 
shaken the earth ; in the evening man had shaken the 
heavens, and now God was shaking both the heavens 
and the earth. 

December 1st. The day was without rain, but the 
wind cold and raw, blew broken masses of clouds from 
the north. It was reported that Sherman with a strong 
column had crossed the Tallahatchie, nine miles below 
the enemy's works, flanked him and compelled him to 
retreat. That evening McArthur's division hastily 



852 Recollections ivith the Tliird Iowa. 

advanced, and during tlie entire following forenoon, the 
troops filed through our camps, advancing to the south. 
Our division and that now under command of Gen. Ross 
were left at this point ; for what purpose, officers and 
men were alike unable to conjecture. 

Trains were sent back to Lamar for rations, and the 
engineer troops were busy repairing the railroad south- 
ward from that point. General Sherman returned to 
Memphis to begin his expedition against Yicksburg, 
and General Grant, his column augmented by Denver's 
division of Sherman's troops, was pushing forward after 
the enemy. The details of his marches we knew only 
by report. The cavalry division pushed the enemy's 
rear guard with splendid results. Many prisoners 
passed to the rear, and Ave listened with thrilling interest 
to rehearsals of the gallant conduct of this portion of 
the army. The character of the cavalry, so much 
depreciated since the battle of Shiloh, now took a 
sudden rise in our estimation. In the romantic ideas 
of some of the young soldiers, "the man on the horse" 
came to be all in all. And many were frequently 
heard, regretting their misfortune in having enlisted in 
the infantry. 

Meantime General McKean was relieved from active 
duty at his own request, and early on the morning of 
the 11th, started north with his staff. The division 
had received marching orders the night before, and the 
same morning at six o'clock we took up the march 
toward the south. 

The weatlicr was soft and delightful, and the roads 
all that could be desired. At ten o'clock we reached the 



Recollections ivitli the TJiird Iowa, S53 

enemy's late advance works in front of the Tallahatchie. 
They consisted of a single line of rifle pits with embra- 
sures at three points, sufficient each for a battery of 
light guns. They were by no means formidable, and 
the ground north of them was higher than that on which 
they were erected ; but their field of fire was open and 
level, and they could not have been carried by direct 
assault without some loss. They were constructed to 
defend the bridge across the Tallahatchie. Beyond the 
river we came upon his main fort, its front and lateral 
faces angling with the river, and very nearly closing 
behind. It was a formidable work, its parapet thick 
and high, and its ditch wide and deep, with some interior 
arrangements which I did not comprehend, and rifle 
pits extending from its flanks, the whole buried in an 
impenetrable forest of bottom timber. So dense was 
this timber, that artillery could not have been brought 
to bear on them with success, and direct assault in the 
presence of the intervening river would have been out 
of the question. 

As we marched through these works, we said among 
ourselves, " If the enemy could not hold such a place 
as this, where this side of Vicksburg will he make a 
stand ? Our advance then will be a continued march of 
victory." Thus in exultation we pressed on. 

Three miles south of the Tallahatchie we passed 
Abbeville, a small railroad station garrisoned by a few 
troops. V/e camped for the night on Hurricane Creek, 
a small stream six miles north of Oxford. 

The country through Avhich we passed south of the 

Tallahatchie was mountainous and picturesque. Some- 
30 



854: Recollections with the Third Iowa, 

times Tve woiikl ascend high ranges of hills which would 
give us a wide view of the country ; whence we could 
see other ranges lying blue and dim in the distance, and 
far to the right the deep and sleepy looking valley 
of the Tallahatchie. It afforded a delightful contrast to 
the monotonous woods, interrupted only by sparse plan- 
tations, wdiich, on our previous marches in the South, 
had bounded to narrow distances the inquiring vision, 
and rose round us like a prison w^all. 

December 12th. We resumed the march early, and 
at nine o'clock passed through Oxford, a very pleasant 
looking little city, but bounded on all sides by the 
inevitable oak forest of these regions. It was chiefly 
noted as being the site of the University of Mississippi. ' 
This building, built of brick, in the western environs 
of the city, rose in stately relief against the dark woods 
and above the meaner edifices surrounding it, and_ was 
one of the few objects that commanded our united re- 
spect, even in a land of traitors. 

A march of twelve miles further, accomplished with 
much fatigue and straggling, brought us in sight of the 
main army camped along Yacomo Creek. Here General 
Lauman was waiting to assume command of the division. 
His return was greeted throughout our regiment with 
great joy. That night we enjoyed the luxury of a 
drizzling Southern rain, and the next morning Ave put 
up tents and laid out our camp in regular order. The 
103d Illinois had been left behind at Waterford, and 
now the 33d Wisconsin was attached to the 1st Brigade 
to supply its place. This regiment had advanced with 
Sherman's column from Memphis, and then counter- 



RecoUedions ivith the TJiird Iowa. S55 

marched to Watcrford, and then again advanced to join 
the main army : in consecjuence of which, their supply 
of rations Avas either so much exhausted or wasted, that 
they were reduced to three-fourths of the regular allow"- 
ance. In addition to this, the vigilance and energy 
of the provost marshal had rendered it impossible for 
inexperienced soldiers to draw many supplies from the 
country. In this situation their complaints, as might 
have been expected from young soldiers, were boisterous 
and perhaps unreasonable. Indeed, they seemed to us 
to act very foolishly. They abused without restraint 
their quartermaster and other officers, and accused them 
of stealing their rations. They would besiege their 
colonel's tent in great crowds, clamoring for rations. 
All day, with scarcely an interruption, the cry of 
" crackers ! " rang from their camp ; and long before 
reveille, of mornings, the woods w^ould echo to the cry 
of "' crackers ! ^^ crackers!^'' And in the middle of the 
night, if they said aught, talking in their sleep, it would 
be to repeat that inevitable and all -meaning word, 
crackers. Now we pitied them ; and as far as we were 
able, shared our rations with them. But we could not 
but be amused at the vehement manner in w^hich they 
expressed their impatience ; for it called to mind ludi- 
crous recollections of the days when we were young 
soldiers ourselves. 

The army rested in this position, and w^aited the open- 
ing of railroad communications from Holly Springs. 
In a week the cars were running from Yacoma Station. 
The cavalry division had sustained its first defeat near 
Coffeeville — a severe repulse at the hands of the enemy's 



356 Recollections ivitli the Third Iowa. 

infantry and artillery. This seemed to indicate liis 
intention to dispute the occupation of Grenada, where 
he was said to be strongly fortified. But this result 
might have been anticipated by the cavalry, when, 
already beyond the reach of support from the infantry, 
they had pushed on against a vigilant and skillful 
enemy. He had taken advantage of their temerity and 
punished it severely ; but, to the army in general, the 
affair was not of a serious character. 

But the enemy's cavalry under Van Born, late their 
commanding general in Mississippi, was preparing a blow 
for our campaign, and it fell suddenly where it was least 
expected. Most of the cavalry division was recalled 
from the front, and part of it under Colonel Bickey was 
sent east, to make a raid on the Mobile and Ohio Bail- 
road, while the other part under Colonel Bee proceeded 
north to protect the communications from the designs 
of Forrest, who was moving on our railroad lines in 
Tennessee. About noon of the 19th, the Ohio Brigade 
of Ross' division, camped two miles south of Oxford, 
moved on the cars toward the north, passed through 
Holly Springs that evening, and arrived at Bolivar some 
time in the night. The same day Colonel Bickey, on 
his return, crossed the trail of Van Born, who was then 
moving to the north on his raid, and apprised General 
Grant of his movements, but too late to enable him to 
take measures to check them. 

On the 20th, intimations that Van Born had captured 
Holly Springs came to the troops, first in the shape 
of vague rumors, and then of more definite reports. Im- 
mediate dispositions were made to meet the new danger. 



Recollections with the Third Iowa, 857 

McArthur's division was sent to the north to open np 
the communications. The same night, orders cam.o to 
the 4th Division to be ready to march at an early hour. 
Th.e noise of preparation -was kept up far into the night. 
In the midst of this, across the valley to the north of 
our regiment, ^\e heard a tumult which sounded like a 
thousand watch-dogs, joining all hideously in their mid- 
night orgies. It was a row between the 14th and 15th 
Illinois regiments on one side, and the IGth Illinois on 
the other. I believe it was confined entirely to words. 

At six o'clock in the morning the division moved, and, 
passing to the east, crossed the railroad atYacoma Sta- 
tion, and, after proceeding about four miles, camped on 
the ground just abandoned by McArthur's division. We 
laid out camps in the regular manner, got up tents, and 
in the evening our regiment had dress parade, at which 
was read an order from General McPherson that the 
troops of the right wing would be put on three-quarter 
rations. Towards night marching orders came to the 
artillery, and late in the night orders came to the infantry 
to be ready to march early in the morning. 



CHAPTER XXYI. 

Retreat of the army — Commendable siprit of the troops — 
Hurricane Creek — Our division left here to cover the re- 
treat — March to the Tallahatchie — Ridiculous rumors — 
Christmas — We go into camp — Return of Dickey's raid — Our 
condition as to supplies— The New Year — Good News — March 
to Holly Springs — Announcement of the capture of Vicks- 
BURG — It is contradicted — We go into camp — March of Den- 
ver's division — Our situation — Burning of Holly Springs — 
March again to the north — Bivouac at Cold Water — Brood- 
ing and speculating over the result of the campaign — Ar- 
rival at Moscow. 

Reveille beat at 3J o'clock, and at sunrise we turned 
our faces to the north and our backs upon all our 
dreams of conquest and glory. We began to retreat. 
The rubbish of our camps was on fire, and the mill 
which had been impressed to grind corn for us, wrapt in 
flames, sent a column of dense smoke into the air. The 
41st Illinois was detailed to tear up the railroad. We 
looked upon all this with blank astonishment. But it 
was no fiction ; the campaign was abandoned ; the whole 
army was in retreat ! We Averc bewildered. But out 
of this disappointment we endeavored to kindle a glow 
of hope ; and out of this failure, we endeavored to per- 
suade ourselves that victory would yet come. All felt 
the event keenly, and it could not be expected that tliere 

would be no murmurings. But the army of the Ten- 

358 



Recollections with ilie Third Iowa. 359 

nessee was too patriotic in spirit and too brave m heart 
to be demoralized at this. Each soldier endeavored to 
put on a cheerful air, and each sought for hope in the 
countenances and conversation of his comrades. I will 
not endeavor to recount the reasonings and conjectures 
with which we endeavored to justify and excuse the 
retreat ; nor the manner in which others more despond- 
ent complained of it. Many, however, seemed to think 
that we could have taken Grenada and maintained our- 
selves there, subsisting on the country, until communi- 
cation by railroad could have been oj)ened with Mem- 
phis. 

Passing through Oxford, wc camped on Hurricane 
Creek where we had camped on the night of the 11th. 
The 41st came up before dark and reported that they 
had performed their job quite to their own satisfaction. 
"We b^elieved them. All night the cars plied rapidly 
between Oxford and Abbeville removing cotton and 
Government stores. A bright light shone over the city 
during the entire night, and we judged that the troops 
remaining there were setting fire to portions of it, but 
never received any direct confirmation of our conjec- 
tures. 

In the morning, our trains were sent forward under 
a strong guard, and during the forenoon, Quimby's 
Division filed past us. Thus the 4th Division was left 
to cover and protect the retreat. Orders were had for 
the men to remain by their colors in readiness for any- 
thing that might occur. To prevent straggling Major 
Brown ordered roll-call in our regiment every tAvo 
hours, the results to be reported in writing to him. We 



360 Recollections with the Third Iowa, 

remained here another night, and heard the frequent 
noise and Avhistle of the cars — sounds which seemed 
more in keeping with a time of peace than of war. 

Next morning, the drums beat early, and we received 
orders to prepare for action or a march at a moment's 
notice. We had been exposed all night to the luxury 
of a drizzling rain, which still continued, and made the 
prospect of the day anything but agreeable. At eight 
o'clock we slung knapsacks and fell in, but were kept 
standing in ranks till afternoon before commencing the 
march. 

Late in the afternoon we passed Abbeville, and there 
saw a small garrison protecting the depot inside of a 
redout of cotton bales. It looked decidedly aristocratic. 
Dirt breastborks would not- do. It was too cheap. 
They must have it made out of something worth fifty 
cents a pound. Well, luxuries among soldiers are so 
rare, who could envy them that ? We camped a short 
distance from the enemy's rifle pits north of the Talla- 
hatchie. 

Here coming up with our comrades of the train, we 
found they had balm for our wounded spirits in the 
shape of prodigious camp reports of victories at all 
points. Burnside had not only defeated the enemy on 
the Rappahannock and taken Richmond — Sherman had 
not only taken Vicksburg and Banks Port Hudson,. but 
peace was actually declared ! There were men in the 
27th Iowa and 33d Wisconsin that would bet their boun- 
ties on it. Of course we did not believe these reports 
to their full extent, but, we thought there might be some- 
thing in them, and the thought encouraged us greatly. 



Recollections ivith the Third Iowa. 861 

The following day was Christmas. We ate our f 
rations and celebrated it soberly and seriously. Our 
example would have been an excellent one to those 
Christians, who, under more favorable circumstances, 
celebrate the birth of Christ by stimulating their animal 
propensities with rich meat and strong wine. We fasted 
somewhat ; and if yearning is prayer, we prayed — 
prayed for deliverance from our gloomy situation, and 
to be put on a new road of victory. 

We changed camp two miles to the northeast, and 
camped in line on the extreme left of the army, looking 
to the south. We sent out a forage train which came 
in abundantly loaded. 

The cavalry brigade which had been sent to make a 
raid on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, returned, suc- 
cessful, having torn up several miles of track, burned a 
warehouse of rebel stores, and made large captures of 
horses. Indeed every soldier of the 4th Illinois Cavalry 
seemed to have brought with him at least two horses 
and one contraband. The news of this little success, 
however unimportant, did something toward mitigating 
our gloom. 

Meanwhile our provisions, " like the lingering sands 

of an hour glass," were fast running out. To prolong, 

if possible, the expected period of final starvation. Gen. 

McPherson issued another order reducing us to half 

rations. Lumkin's mills, six miles to the north, were 

put to grinding corn for our division ; but the supply 

of meal thus obtained fell far short of furnishing us 

with bread-stuff, but we found an excellent substitute 

in hulled corn and in black peas which abounded in the 
31 



862 Itecolledions with (he Tliird Iowa. 

cornfields adjacent to our camp. We had also a corral 
■which was supplied with beef (?) cattle, picked up in tho 
surrounding country. And such calfle ! Some were so 
poor as to be almost transparent. The boys actually 
averred that the butchers had to prop up one or two old 
oxen to shoot them ! Our forage trains penetrated the 
countr}^ in all directions to find subsistence for the an- 
imals; in one instance going twenty-two miles from 
camp, and being gone two days. Thus the sweets of 
the enemy's success at Holly Springs was embittered 
to the whole country for many miles around, our army 
being put under tribute to supply its wants. And it 
must bo confessed that notwithstanding the vigilance of 
the provost marshal who was now getting to be a most 
unpopular individual, the people suff'ered more from 
unauthorized seizures by soldiers who accompanied 
forage trains, or who, impelled by hunger, scouted the 
vicinity of the camps in bands, than in any legitimate 
way. 

In the midst of this, we had our full rations of parades, 
inspections and reviews, and we more than once won- 
dered if the generals were on half rations like the men. 
I do not believe they were. 

The new ^^ear came ; but it brought no rejoicings, no 
feastings, no comforts, no news from home. There was 
nothing to alleviate the general despondency, if we 
except an order from General McPherson announcing 
General Sullivan's victory at Parker's Cross Roads 
over Forest who had been destroying our railroad com- 
munications north of Jackson ; also, that he had received 
a telegram from General Grant at Holly Springs, an- 



Recollections ivith the Third Iowa, 863 

nouncing a sharp fight near Nashville, with Johnson 
badly cut up and falling back. The order closed with 
the words, " Bully for New Years, with the compliments 
of General McPherson." 

So far the winter had been mild. We had had but 
little snow. We had had none of those cold winds 
which, at this season of the year, sweep over our northern 
prairies. The ground had not been frozen so deep but 
that a half day's sun sufficed to thaw it out. We had 
had spells of very Avarm weather, warin as September 
in the North, followed by the inevitable soaking rains 
"of the South. And yet, if we except the traveled roads 
and level bottoms, the ground had not been muddy. 
The clay hills seemed impervious to water, which, flow- 
ing from them, cut immense ditches down which great 
quantities of soil are yearly washed away. But it was 
a question whether this waste of soil was much of a 
loss to the fields ; for on the surface the soil seemed to 
be of the same consistence it was six feet below. They 
are compelled to plow around these hills and circle 
them with ditches to prevent this wasteful washing. If 
the climate were not favorable to the production of 
cotton, it was the universal verdict of my comrades 
that they would not give a dollar an acre for the 
uplands of northern Mississippi. But it is not sur- 
prising that we should be unfavorably impressed with a 
country that afforded us such meager hospitalities. 

Our picket duty was quite heavy. The details were 
made by regiments. For instance, on a given day the 
3d Iowa would be required to furnish 300 men, em- 
bracing a specified proportion of ofiicers and non-com- 



364 Recollections with the Third Iowa, 

missioned officers. Other regiments would furnish a 
similar number, and so the detail would go round the 
division. 

On the 3d of January we received a meager mail 
from home, and the following day papers arrived an- 
nouncing for the first time that General Burnside had 
been defeated at Fredericksburg. We also learned to our 
mortification that Vicksburg was not taken. But this 
news had a transient compensation in reports, coming 
from no one knows what source, that Burnside had 
again crossed the Rappahannock and gained a great 
victory, and that Sherman was only waiting the arrival 
of Banks, when Vicksburg would certainly fall. At 
any rate we were always in luck or about to be. But 
what was still more agreeable was the arrival of a da}''s 
full rations, and news that our railroad communications 
were open to Memphis by way of Lagrange. . 

On the 5th of January, our division broke up camp 
on the Tallahatchie, and again took up the northward 
march. When the column had formed on the main road, 
General Lauman rode along and the boys of our regi- 
ment cheered him lustily. The country through which 
we passed, particularly in the vicinity of Waterford 
and Lumkins' Mills was putrid with the offal of slaugh- 
tered animals and the debris of deserted camps. The 
animals in our beef corral were driven along with us. 
They were the most motley looking herd we ever beheld; 
oxen that could not make a shadow ; cows of the most 
lilliputian dimensions ; embryo calves (for indeed they 
seemed intended for calves); and sheep that would not 
make a meal for a rat terrier. These, we were told 



HeeoUections with the Third Iowa. 365 

were a fair specimen of Mississippi cattle ! The herd 
would have made a menagerie worth a northern man's 
fifty cents in the hardest times. 

Before we reached Holly Springs, Gen. McPherson 
received a dispatch from General Grant stating that 
Sherman had captured Vicksburg with 20,000 prisoners. 
The report was circulated along the column and caused 
great rejoicing. Reaching Holly Springs we found con- 
flicting reports among the troops ; and though the latest 
dispatches did not warrant the belief that Vicksburg 
w^as taken, we clung to the pleasant delusion, and for a 
long time would not believe that Sherman had been 
defeated. 

We found Denver's Division here. The 109th Illinois 
was also here, and, with the exception of Company K, 
was in confinement for mutiny. The case of these 
traitors has become a matter of history. As regiment 
after regiment of the division passed their guard house, 
the boys growled and hooted at them in the most deci- 
sive manner. 

We camped on the beautiful level ground north of the 
city. Gen. Grant still had his head quarters at Holly 
Springs, and our regiment furnished his head quarter 
guard. 

At two o'clock the following morning, reveille began 
to beat in the camps of Denver's Division, and we knew 
they were preparing to march. No sooner had they 
evacuated their camps than our boys rushed to them, 
bearing away tables, bunks, boards, everything that 
could assist in furnishing our tents, or making them 
more comfortable. 



866 Recollections with the Third loioa. 

All tlie troops except the 4th Division Tvere with- 
drawn to the line of the Memphis and Charleston Hail- 
road. Our division was left to cover the evacuation of 
the country and protect the removal of property. The 
1st and 2d brigades occupying Holly Springs ; the 3d 
yet remaining at Lumkin's Mills. On the 7th, a guard 
was sent to the latter place to bring forward a wagon 
train. It returned without molestation. The next day, 
the 3d Brigade joined us, which was quite a relief, as 
hitherto our picket duty had been very heavy. The cars 
were busy night and day removing stores, cotton, and 
negro women and children. The same day, January 
8th, the cavalry, which had been watching the front, 
moved to the rear, and all felt confident the infantry 
and artillery would go the next day. And now we 
were to witness a tragedy which reflects infamy upon 
its perpetrators, and a dishonor upon the 4th Division. 

Under the belief that we would move in the morninn-, 
a number of soldiers of the different regiments met and 
concei'ted a scheme for firing the city. Shortly after 
dark, the flames broke out in its eastern limits, and did 
not spread, but soon rose in another quarter. We saw 
it from our camp with little amazement ; for we could 
not but expect that there would be found some reckless 
enough to undertake to execute the threats of vengeance 
made by exasperated soldiers against the citizens, on 
account of their conduct towards our prisoners captured 
by Van Dorn in his raid. The provost guards in some 
instances did their duty, arresting the incendiaries; but 
generally they connived at their operations. The flames 
spread and broke out in new directions. Two additional 



Bscolleetmis ivith the Third loiva. 367 

regiments -^-ere ordered on duty as provost guards. 
Generals McPherson and Lauman rode through the 
city with their escorts and endeavored to arrest tht> 
work of barbarism. But their efforts were unavailing. 
Men, seizing their guns and accoutrements, ran into the 
city from all the camps, and filled the streets with bogus 
guards, whose purpose was to counteract the operations 
of the real ones. By 9 o'clock the confusion Avas at its 
higlit — hideous and indescribable. The fiendish yells 
of the assassins and their accomplices, the shrieks of 
women and children, the shouts of the swaying crowds, 
. applauding or rebuking, the commands of officers, the 
rushing sounds of the devouring flames, and the crash 
of falling timbers, mingled all their noises together. 
Citizens assisted by soldiers vainly endeavored to arrest 
the flames. The rich and the poor ; the friendly and 
the unfriendly were served alike. The most stately 
residences and the meanest hovels were alike consumed. 
[Not even the negro quarters were spared. To what- 
ever could make a blaze, the incendiaries applied the 
torch. In the midst of it all, but few collisions took 
place, and but one casualty was reported, the wounding 
of a member of the 41st Illinois by a provost guard. 

From our camp, the spectacle was grand in the ex- 
treme. The flames illuminated the heavens far around, 
and sent up huge columns of red smoke, which, driven 
by the south wind, rolled over our heads in clouds 
reflecting the yellow light and shutting out the dark 
storm clouds above. We saw from our camp the splendid 
sight ; but we did not hear the cries of the helpless around 
the flames and over the ashes of theii- once happy homes. 



868 Recollections with the Third lotva. 

The conflagration raged unabated till midnight, Tvlien 
the long roll beat in all the camps. The men sprang 
from their sleep, gathered their arms and accoutrements 
and fell in line. Presently an orderly came along with 
an order for roll-call to be had in each company, and 
the absentees noted and reported to head quarters. It 
is due to the good name of our regiment, to say that but 
two men were found absent at this time. Indeed, it 
would be an unusual thing, when camped in the vicinity 
of a large city, for a sudden midnight roll-call to find all 
the men in their quarters. 

Comrades, I have pictured this scene as we saw and 
heard it. If it was right for soldiers to behave thus, 
let no one be ashamed that those who did so belonged 
to the 4th Division. If it was wrong, as the guilty 
ones are unknown, the disgrace falls upon us in common. 
That many justified it who did not participate in it, can 
not be denied. It is equally true, that many denounced 
it. 

Let us give both sides a fair hearing. Those who 
justified it said, that when the place was captured on 
the 20th by Van Dorn, the women insulted our com- 
rades who had surrendered, firing pistols and throwing 
bricks at them. There Avas not a Union man in the 
city. It had been in the past, and if not destroyed, 
would be in the future, a rendezvous for the enemy. 
Every family would give him aid ; every roof would 
give him comfort. We had tried the kid glove policy 
and it had failed. Our enemies were traitors to a 
Government, the noblest in the world, and which had 
never wronged them. They were neither legitimate nor 



Recollections with the Tliird Iowa. 869 

honorable enemies. We must teach them that we looked 
upon their treason as a crime. Had we left our homes 
and all the comforts of life, and come here to guard 
rebel property ? If the contrary policy were adopted, 
the rebels would soon yield. They would not endure 
to see their property destroyed and their families 
brought to distress. Desertion would soon disorganize 
their armies, and leave us no more fighting to do. 

On the other hand, it was said the war should be 
conducted honorably and according to the rules of war- 
fare among civilized nations. AA^ar had its reciprocal 
justice ; and we should not do to our enemies what we 
would not expect them to do to us, under like circum- 
stances. The enemy was a traitor ; that was true ; but 
he was also a formidable powder ; and if we were to 
carry on the war with violence and outrage, he could 
and would retaliate. Until we had shown ourselves 
able to destroy the rebel hosts in the field, we should 
not direct our warfare against the women and children. 
All the advantages we had gained over the enemy had 
been gained by bravery in battle ; not by cruelty else- 
where. Violence was not vigor. Energy in prosecuting 
the war, did not imply cruelty toward those whom its 
fortunes had placed in our hands. Let us march against 
the enemy's armies ; defeat, pursue and destroy them. 
Then would the world applaud our valor. And, if Ave 
protected the unarmed, the helpless and innocent, it 
would applaud our magnanimity. If the contrary policy 
were adopted, — if we burned down over their heads the 
homes of women and children ; if we left them shelter- 
less in mid-winter and without food ; — if we thus turned 



870 Hecolledions with the TJiird Iowa, 

a deaf ear to the common appeals of liumanity, "u'Lat 
sympathy could we expect from civilized nations ? IIoay, 
under such circumstances, could we expect neutrality 
from them, to say nothing of friendship ? It would 
exasperate our enemies in arms to new vigor as well as 
to new cruelty ; it would cause non-combatants to take 
up arms, and bring against us foreign powers. Thus 
would we be overwhelmed with our own wickedness 
and folly. 

But, more than this, respect for our duties as sol- 
diers, — respect for the oath we had taken, should 
restrain us from violating the positive and repeated 
orders of our commanding generals. If the Government 
chose to inaugurate the policy of burning and laying 
waste, and we were commanded to execute it, we would 
obey ; the responsibility would not be ours. "VYe had 
enlisted, not to be the Government, but to serve it ; and 
until we were commanded to commit such acts, our 
moral instincts should teach us to refrain from commit- 
ting them. That our generals had been compelled to 
issue orders admonishing us against such conduct, was 
itself a humiliation. Every soldier in our ranks should 
understand the dignity of his mission, and feel that the 
cause of civilization needs not the weapons of barbarism 
for its defense. 

When the morning came the conflagration had not 
ceased ; but, from hour, to hour the flames continued to 
break out in difl'crent places in the suburbs of the city. 
At 10 A. M., we received orders to prepare to march 
immediately. Our wagons were soon loaded and sent 
forward, and the troops were called into line. But 



Recollections with the TJiird loiva. 871 

trains of cars continued to arrive and depart, loaded to 
tlieir utmost capacity with negro women and children. 
Still we were kept in line, doubtless with the object 
of preventing a further destruction of the city. It was 
not till eight o'clock at night that we began to move. 
The roads were slippery and deep with mud. There 
was no moon in the early part of the night, and our only 
light was the conflagration, still raging behind us, and 
the blaze of burning fences and buildings on either hand. 
It was nearly midnight, when w^e reached Cold Water, 
and halted for rest and sleep. 

Early in the morning, we took up the march on the 
Moscow road. We passed a camp of cavalry north 
of the stream as we crossed it, — all that now remained 
of the invading army fronting the enemy in Mississippi 
And here we could not help but contrast our present 
feelings with those with which we had entered upon the 
campaign. Then in Virginia, in Middle Tennessee, and 
with us in Mississippi, — everywhere victory seemed 
preparing. Now, looking around us, we saw how^ our 
dream of victory and peace had vanished. Defeated at 
Fredericksburg ; repulsed at Vicksburg ; a hard earned, 
fruitless victory at Murfreesborough, — checked every- 
where except in Mississippi, and here we had re- 
treated. 

But when we began to look at the chief difficulties 
of the campaign, — that of keeping open two to three 
hundred miles of railroad communication in the face 
of a bold and enterprising enemy, it was not so much 
a surprise to us that it had proved a failure, as that it 
had been undertaken at all. Our only source of hope 



872 Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

now was, that Grant would undertake the capture 
of Vicksburg by the more practicable route of the 
Mississippi. 

The road was well beaten by previous columns of 
troops, and a vigorous march brought us to Wolf River, 
where we passed the night. In the morning we crossed 
the river and went into camp around Moscow, relieving 
a part of Logan's division. 



CHAPTER XXYII. 

Reorganization of Grant's army — How our division was 
POSTED— Descent of gtterrillas upon our forage train — We 
MARCH TO Memphis and go into camp — A glance at the officers 
of our regiment— General Lauman's regimental drills — Re- 

TIEW OF THE FoURTH DIVISION COLONEL BrYANT's MOVEMENT 

against Chalmers — Our division ordered to Vicksburg — Part- 
ing WITH MY comrades ThEIR JOURNEY DOWN THE RIVER AND 

AFFAIR WITH THE GUERRILLAS NEAR GrEENSVILLE ARRIVAL AT 

Young's Point — Their view of Porter and Steele engaging 

THE ENEMY PROCEED UP THE YaZOO AND OCCUPY HaINEs' BlUFF 

The CAPTURES — Blowing up the magazines — The 22d of May — 
They move to take position in the investing lines — Their 
position and operations south of the city — Their subsequent 
position and operations. 

The troops, lately constituting the ISth Army Corps, 
w^ere re-organized into four corps, the 13th, 15th, 16th 
and 17th, commanded respectively by Major Generals 
McClernand, Sherman, Hurlbut and McPherson. The 
Fourth Division, at first attached to the 17th, was soon 
transferred to the 16th Corps, and thus it was again 
under its old commander. It was distributed in detach- 
ments of different sizes along the Memphis and Charles- 
ton Railroad, from Moscow^ on the east, to Colliersville 
on the west. General Lauman had his headquarters at 
the former place. For a short period, during his tem- 
porary absence, Colonel Pugh was in command of the 



374 Recollections with the Tliird Iowa, 

division, and Colonel Moore, of the 33d Wisconsin, in 
command of the 1st Brigade. 

The eight weeks our regiment passed at Moscow, 
transpired without any occurrence of importance. The 
line of railroad guarded in part by our division ran 
parallel to the enemy's late front of operations ; but the 
winter rains soon put the roads in an execrable con- 
dition, and besides, he was too much attracted in the 
direction of Vicksburg by Grant, who, with McPher- 
son's corps, had gone thither to join McClernand and 
Sherman, and renew in person operations for the reduc- 
tion of that stronghold, to make any demonstrations 
against us. But we were not without the usual number 
of rumors and reports of the enemy's approach, and 
of actual alarms by night and day. I have described 
similar occurrences so often, that it would be superfluous 
to mention them here. 

One little occurrence, however, as it was the first 
of the kind that has ever happened to our regiment, 
must not be passed over. We still supplied our animals 
with forage from the country, and for this purpose were 
accustomed to send out expeditions in all directions, 
frequently ten or twelve miles, and with great boldness. 
On one occasion, a brigade train was out with an escort 
commanded by Major Long, of the 41st Illinois. They 
were returning with loaded wagons, a part of the guard 
with the Major marching in lead of the train, while the 
remainder, under Lieut. Hall, of the 3d Iowa, brought 
up the rear. Some of the wagons got stuck in the mud, 
and the rear guard, halting to help them out, was left 
about half a mile behind the main portion of the train, 



Recollections with the Third loiva, 875 

when, about two miles from the picket lines, a band 
of Richardson's guerrillas dashed down a narrow lane 
into the main road, and with fiendish yells attacked the 
center of the train, and before the rear guard could get 
up, succeeded in getting away about fifty mules and a 
dozen teamsters. They shot and mortally wounded 
one teamster, who refused to unhitch his mules. The 
rear guard fired several volleys at them with but little 
eff'cct. The guerrillas traveled through fields, woods, 
and over by-roads to their place of rendezvous some- 
where to the north. Here they paroled the boys, who 
found their way to Fort Pillow, and thence back again 
to Moscow. 

On the lllh of March, we were relieved at Moscow 
by a part of Denver's division, and took up the march 
toward Memphis. We bivouacked the first night at 
Colliersville. Before we could get up our tents, it be- 
gan to rain heavily and continued with little intermission 
till morning. We had to lay exposed to it all the while, 
with whatever patience we could summon for the occa- 
sion. When the morning broke, an abundance of dry- 
rails afforded fires, from which we derived a little com- 
fort, until, at 9 o'clock, the march was resumed. 

Soon after starting, it again began to rain, and con- 
tinued, till nearly night, cold and heavy from the 
northwest. With great fatigue and immense straggling 
we reached White's Station, where, in the deep, soft 
mud, we passed a night, cold, dreary and comfortless 
enough. 

The next day was cool and pleasant. Starting 
late, we reached Memphis in the afternoon, and 



376 Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

Tvent into camp on the western environs of the 
city. 

Two more months of monotonous camp-life. Major 
Brown had been promoted Colonel, at Moscow ; and 
now, at the almost unanimous request of the officers 
of the regiment, Captain James Tul'lis, of Company H, 
a very brave soldier and proper man, who had been 
twice wounded in battle, was appointed Lieut. Colonel, 
and 1st Lieut. George W. Crosley, whose gallant con- 
duct at Blue Mills and Shiloh, I have already mentioned, 
was appointed Major. These appointments gave very 
general satisfaction. The line officers of our regiment 
were now for the most part men who had served in the 
ranks, and who were faithful to their duties, and loved 
and respected by their men ; and what was more, they 
had been tried in the ordeal of battle, and had not been 
found wanting. Compared with many regiments in the 
field, our's was exceedingly fortunate in this respect. 

General Lauman instituted a regulation that two 
regiments of the division should meet each evening on 
the green, in front of his headquarters, for drill. This 
excited a spirit of rivalry among some of the regiments, 
which, between the 41st Illinois, of Colonel Pugh's 
brigade, and the 14th Illinois, of Colonel Hall's brigade, 
increased to great bitterness. These regiments drilled 
twice against each other, the second time in pursuance 
of a challenge from Lieut. Col. Carn of the 14th. The 
prize of this drill was a silver bugle, purchased jointly 
by the officers of both regiments. The judges could 
not be accused of partiality in their decision. As in 
the first trial the 41st had borne away the palm, so in 



Recollections ivitli the Third loiva. 877 

this it bore awaj tlie bugle. Both regiments went 
through the various movements in a manner which 
excited the highest admiration ; and yet few of the 
spectators, who were strangers to both, would have 
awarded the prize differently. I confess that in this 
strife, and in the jealousy and bickerings which grew 
out of it, the sympathies of the men of our regiment 
were with the 41st. We had always belonged to the 
same brigade, had fought on the same field in the battle 
of Shiloh, had been side by side in prosperous and 
adverse circumstances, and now that we were camped 
close by each other, a singular attachment, which was 
universal throughout both regiments, had sprung up 
between us. General Lauman understood this, and our 
reo:iment never drilled against the 41st. 

These drills with our regiment were productive of the 
most beneficial results. Captain Smith was, for a while 
our drill master, and a model one he was too. When 
Major Crosley received his appointment and returned 
from the brigade staff, he was assigned to this duty. 
For the first day or two he put us through the exercises 
with some difficulty ; but he was too ambitious to allow 
us to suffer at his hands, and he soon became proficient 
in the tactics, and an excellent drill master. 

Perhaps the most memorable event of this period was 
the review of the Fourth Division, by its old chief, 
General Hurlbut. The scene took place on the fair 
grounds northeast of the city. It was an occasion 
calculated to call up old memories. Hurlbut, Lauman 
and Veatch, three generals, under whom we had served 
through Shiloh, Corinth and Matamora, were there, and 
32 



378 Recollections ivitTi the Third Iowa. 

there also, under tlie tattered banners they had borne 
through those storms, were the troops they had com- 
manded so bravely and so well ; generals and men be- 
tween whom existed the strongest ties that can bind 
men together, recollections of mutual peril and the 
possession of a common glory. Here we again met 
the generals who had been so proud to command us, 
and whom we had been so happy and proud to follow. 
It seemed like a renewal of the past. 

A large concourse of citizens and soldiers were 
present to Avitness it. The Memphis Bulletin thus 
described it : — 

'' Yesterday, at about ten o'clock in the morning, the 
division was drawn up by Brigadier General Lauman, 
preparatory to the review by General Hurlbut. We 
have seen these splendid reviews so graphically de- 
scribed by the " Knights of the quill," of the army of 
the Potomac, by General McClellan — when that army 
was in its prime, — but never did we look upon a body 
of men presenting a more soldierly appearance than 
did the Fourth Division yesterday. The old veterans 
who had passed through the fires of Pittsburg Landing, 
Corinth, Matamora, and other fields of action, who had 
scattered the armies under Van Dorn and Price, 
reminded us of the soldiers who fought in the 
Crimea. 

As General Hurlbut rode along the line accompanied 
by his staff, we thought for the moment that our eyes 
never rested on a more captivating picture. It was a 
glorious sight. The review was Avhat all anticipated 
it would be. Not a single manocuvcr was at fault. 



Recollections with the TJiird Iowa. 879 

From " shoulder arms," to the end of the review, all 
went smoothly, without a mistake. It is necessary to 
have educated officers to make good soldiers ; and if any 
thing was wanting to convince the hundreds of ladies 
and gentlemen present at the review, of the falsity of 
the report, that the officers of the Fourth Division were 
not thoroughly qualified for the position they occupy, it 
is now entirely dispelled." 

On the 17th of April, an expedition was sent into 
Mississippi against Chalmers, who held the rebel lines 
southeast of Memphis. It was commanded by Colonel 
Bryant, of the l'2th Wisconsin, now in command of the 
3d Brigade. While it was gone, the wildest rumors 
gained circulation iu the city, and a thousand and one 
reports of fighting on the Cold Water, flew through our 
camps. But after a week it returned without having 
met any occurrence of importance. 

Early in May, intimations came that we were ordered 
to Nicksburg, and these were followed by orders to be 
ready to move on the shortest notice. The 3d Brigade 
moved first ; in a few days it was followed by the 2d, 
and on the 17th the 1st struck tents and prepared to 
embark. 

And here end my personal recollections with the 3d 
Iowa. I was at this time detached from my regiment 
to remain at Memphis. It was with no ordinary feel- 
ings, on the morning of the 18th, on board of the Cres- 
cent City, I parted with my comrades. I had not sup- 
posed that I had become so attached to those men. 
And it was with strange feelings of regret that I stood 
on the bluffs of Fort Pickering, and gazed upon their 



880 Recollections with the TJdrd Iowa, 

boat as it sped down the noble waters, like a bird that 
is flying away. And when it had disappeared, and I 
could see it no more, an indescribable vacancy seemed 
to surround me. Nothing looked familiar to me ; I felt 
as though I were in a strange land. Separated from 
the men with whom for two years I had been associated 
in extraordinary circumstances ; I left behind, and they 
gone to meet unknown hazards and to preserve their 
past career of glory. I expected never to join them 
again, and knew that I had shook hands with many of 
them for the last time. I must now turn to the stran- 
gers surrounding me, and among them form new asso- 
ciations and find new comrades. 

If I have succeeded in making this book of interest 
to any reader, he will surely be unwilling to pardon me, 
if I do not go with my regiment briefly through the 
scenes which followed — its participation in what was the 
crowning glory to the army of the Tennessee, the siege 
and capture of Yicksburg, and where at Jackson my 
comrades fought for honor and without hope. 

The transports conveying the 1st Brigade were con- 
voyed by a gunboat of the musquito fleet. In the after- 
noon of the folloAving day the gunboat had dropped 
behind and the Crescent City was in lead; while passing 
unconcernedly along near the foot of Island 65, a force 
of guerrillas opened upon it with two howitzers from a 
covert of young timber, throwing canister and shells. 
The first shots took efl'ect, wounding thirteen men of 
the 3d Iowa, one of them mortally. To protect her 
machinery, the boat immediately refused her broadside 
and presented her stern. From this end of the boat, 



Recollections with the TJiird Iowa. 881 

the boys began to reply with musketry, when the 
gunboat coming up, the guerrillas fled. The gunboat 
opened fire upon them, and the troops landed. The 
41st and 53d Illinois pursued them two or three miles 
without overtaking them. When they returned, the 
brigade moved down the shore three miles to the town 
of Greenwood, which they set fire to and burned — house 
and hovel, sparing not even the church. 

At noon the next day they arrived at Young's Point, 
disembarked, and, after cooking their dinners on the 
shore, started to march across the peninsula. After 
proceeding half a mile, tliey were halted, and waited 
for orders till ten o'clock at night. During the after- 
noon the scene around was inexpressibly sublime. They 
could see the shells of Porter's fleet from below bursting 
over the city, and the enemy's river batteries replying. 
While on the blufi" above it, they could discern, under a 
dense cloud of smoke, Steele's infantry and artillery 
hotly engaged, as well as the smoke which rose from 
the enemy's forts on his front. The gunboat, Choctaw, 
also dropped down, for some reason, to draw the 
enemy's fire. His guns opened upon her heavily, and, 
when she had reached a position about half a mile 
below the red flags Avhich marked the enemy's furthest 
range, she halted and lay in the channel but did not 
reply. Her guns were not of sufiicient range to reach 
his batteries. As soon as the enemy saw her object, 
he ceased firing. Some of his shots in their flight had 
crossed the river, the peninsula and the river again, 
and lodged above the city on the Mississippi shore. 
During the night the scene was still more sublime. 



382 Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

Signal rockets from tlie gunboats flashing against the 
sky, and the shells from the mortar fleet describing in 
their flight an immense curve of fire, making the noise 
of a distant wind storm, and bursting in fitful flashes 
over the doomed city. They could likewise see the 
flashes of Steele's artillery, and at times the flames 
leaping from the mouths of the enemy's responding 
cannon. 

The brigade went aboard the boats in the night, and 
had all the baggage they were to take with them got 
aboard before midnight. The rest, comprising most 
of their tents and camp equipage, was left under a 
guard detailed for the purpose. That of the 3d Iowa 
was commanded by Lieut. Lakin. 

At daylight their fleet moved into the mouth of the 
Yazoo where they found the Choctaw, which joined the 
musquito boat that had convoyed them from Memphis, 
and the two convoyed them to Haines' Bluff". The 
position was found to be evacuated, and Companies G 
and K of the 3d Iowa landed and occupied it. Here 
they found a rebel hospital, containing about 360 pa- 
tients, who were paroled the following day. The brigade 
landed about a mile below to execute the purpose of the 
expedition, that of opening communication with Sher- 
man. Meanwhile the crew of the Choctaw landed and 
commenced blowing up the enemy's numerous maga- 
zines and bursting the guns he had abandoned. Some 
of these magazines were filled with loaded shells, which 
were thrown into the air and exploded in all directions. 
In this way were destroyed an immense quantity of 
ordnance and ordnance stores, which might have been 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 383 

made serviceable to General Grant in the subsequent 
operations of the siege. But it was expected that John- 
son would move in this way to attack Grant in the rear, 
and it was deemed more prudent to destroy them than 
to run the risk of their falling into his hands. 

Our boys found here plenty of tents and camp equi- 
page abandoned by the enemy, and supplied themselves 
even better than they were before. Gen. Lauman im- 
mediately w^ent back to Young's Point on a dispatch 
boat for orders, and soon after the brigade marched from 
w^here it lay to a position on the bluff, where the two 
companies were, and here spent the night. 

The next day w^as the memorable 22d of May, on 
which Grant made his second assault on the enemy's 
works. They could hear the sounds of the battle — on 
the right the infantry engaging with a continuous war, 
and with it the quick jar of the batteries, and above all 
the thunders of Porter's fleet. Of the cause of all this 
they knew nothing; but conjectured the army was 
forcing its way into the beleaguered city. That day 
the Choctaw and musquito boats went up the Yazoo as 
far as Greenwood, but could not pass the batteries there. 
The same evening the brigade was relieved by a cavalry 
division under command of Major General Washburne. 

Next morning it moved toward Yicksburg to take 
position in the investing lines. As they advanced they 
met many supply wagons on the way to the Yazoo, the 
teamsters giving dolorous accounts of yesterday's re- 
pulse, and saying frequently, in the most discouraging 
tones, "Boys, we can't take 'em; they're too well for- 
tified." As they approached the lines of the army they 



384 RecoUeeiions with tlie Third Iowa, 

saw scattered through the woods many men who had 
been wounded in the previous day's fight ; and many 
more in cotton sheds, crowded together on the soft 
cotton, as thick as they could be placed — men who had 
marched hither from Bruinsburg, without a change of 
clothing or a cooking utensil, dirty, ragged, and clotted 
with blood, lay under dense clouds of settling dust, 
raised by the troops and trains continually crowding 
past. It was a spectacle of wretchedness sufficient to 
appal common men. That night the 1st Brigade camped 
south of the Jackson Railroad, and about a mile and a 
half from Fort Hill, the rebel work which guarded the 
main entrance into the city. They were not allowed 
fires, and had to eat their raw bacon and hard crackers 
with the best relish they could. 

On the 30th, they had out a strong force to protect 
their pioneer corps in constructing roads on which to 
bring up gabions to protect the rifle pits, to be con- 
structed, from the enemy's flanking fire. That night 
their pickets advanced and drove those of the enemy 
from the hill they occupied. Here they dug their first 
line of rifle pits, a straight ditch, and in it inserted the 
gabions at intervals, with sufficient room for a single 
man to pass round them without getting out of the 
ditch. At daylight the enemy's artillery opened from 
what was known as the sand bag fort on the right, and 
speedily cleared the ditch of these obstructions, killing 
tv/o men of the 41st Illinois. Of course this experi- 
ment was not again repeated. 

That day our pickets protected themselves as well as 
they could. As soon as it was dark, Capt. Knight, of 



Recollections with the Tliird Iowa, 385 

the 3d Iowa, crawling between tlie two picket lines, 
ours and the enemy's, made a survey of the ground 
which enabled them next morning to commence digging 
zigzag rifle pits, by which they were enabled to advance 
their line steadily, under protection from the enemy's 
fire, front and flank. They did not extend these rifle 
pits through the valleys, but, on gaining the slope of a 
hill towards the enemy, would drive him from his rifle 
pits on the opposite hill by a night assault, and, occupy- 
ing them, change the embankment to the other side, 
and commence anew their operations. They deviated 
from this rule in but one instance. Thus, until the final 
surrender, with frequent artillery duels and sharp en- 
gagements of the infantry; laboring and watching night 
and day; exposed constantly to an alternation of burn- 
ing sun and chilling dew; amid a succession of scenes 
the most unreal; where romance itself palled on the 
sense and became monotonous; amid hardsliips which, 
under ordinary circumstances, few would have endured, 
they forced their steady progress toward the enemy. 
33 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

SURRENDER OF VICKSBURG — Our division moves with 
Shermans army against Johnson— DISASTROUS CHARGE OP 
COLONEL PUGH'S BRIGADE— The blame imputed to Geneeal 
Lauman — His parting orders — Our losses — Conclusion. 

The first indication of the enemy's desire to capitu- 
late, was a flag of truce wliich was seen to approach our 
lines from a point near Fort Hill. The firing imme- 
diately ceased at that point, and gradually died away 
to the right and left. The enemy's troops became more 
bold, and began to appear along their rifle pits. Ours 
likewise began to show themselves, and before noon the 
works of either side were lined with their respective 
uniforms, blue and grey. In some cases the antagonists 
mingled, and many of the enemy came into our camps, 
but General Grant ordered them to be sent back. So 
thick was the smoke, that it was not before 11 o'clock 
that the fleet saw the signal to cease firing. About 
one o'clock the flag of truce went back, and the firing 
again began at that point, and was soon resumed along 
the line, and within an hour the fleet again opened. 
About three o'clock another flag of truce came out ; the 
firing again ceased, and the troops of either side ap- 
peared on their works much more readily than before. 
Orders soon after came for the firing to be permanently 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 887 

discontinued. Our troops lay in their rifle pits all night, 
in the highest spirits. Daylight found the rebels in 
plain view all along their works, and our boys likewise 
coming out of their holes to see what they could see. 
It was the Fourth of July. At eight o'clock a national 
salute was fired with blank cartridges from the batteries 
along our entire line. About ten o'clock, from the 
position of our regiment, with a field glass, the enemy 
might be seen to take down his flag from Fort Hill, and 
hoist a white flag in its stead. Then two men started, 
each with a bundle of white flags, and proceeded either 
w^ay, hoisting them along the works. As each flag was 
raised, the men in front of it would cheer frantically, 
and all along our lines the boys from the tops of their 
works began to sing national airs, w^hile the rebels from 
theirs listened in gloomy silence. Soon the late com- 
batants mingled together, the rebels streaming through 
all our camps. Their salutations w^ere characteristic 
of their situation-. " Boys," they would say, shaking 
hands, " this is strange ; yesterday we were trying to 
kill each other, now we are meeting as friends." For 
the most part the rebels seemed quite disheartened; and 
many of them, speaking of the war, used an expression 
which seemed to have become proverbial among them : 
" This is the rich man's quarrel, but the poor man's 
fight." Thus they mingled together, victor and van- 
quished, — smoked, played cards, and, over pots of hot 
cofi"ee, discussed the war and related their adventures, 
like old comrades who, after a long absence, had just met. 
But the troops of our division were not allowed the 
privilege of mingling long with their late foes. Our 



388 Recollections loith the TJiird Iowa, 

division was among the troops assigned to Sherman by 
orders from General Grant, -with Avhich, in the event 
of the success of the proposed assault on the sixth of 
July, he was to take the field immediately against 
Johnson. He was found in force around Jackson, 
strongly entrenched. It w^as not attempted to carry 
his w^orks by assault ; this was deemed impracticable, 
and the operations of a siege commenced. 

The line of siege was formed on the eleventh, Hovey 
and Lauman, of Ord's corps, being on the extreme right. 
On the morning of the 12th, the 33d Wisconsin was 
sent across the Mississippi Central Railroad to Pearl 
River, and the 28th Illinois took their places in the 
1st Brigade. Thus it seems as if fate had decreed that 
this gallant regiment, which had suffered side by side 
with ours in the disastrous bend of the Hatchie, should 
under the same generals suffer useless butchery now. 
In its first battle, the Third Iowa had fought for honor, 
but with some hope of victory ; and now, in what was 
probably to be its last one, it was to fight for honor, but 
without hope ; — nay, even to advance upon death itself, 
•without the least encouragement of success. 

Having disposed his divisions, General Ord ordered 
the generals commanding them to advance their lines. 
The left of our 1st Brigade was at that time consider- 
ably behind the right of Hovey. The troops moved for- 
ward as steadily as upon review, without hesitating or 
swerving, or showing any signs of precipitancy. It 
was a sight calculated to captivate the eye of a spec- 
tator, and fill with pride the heart of any general. 
What wonder ? Were they not veterans, imbrowned by 



Recollections with the Tliird Iowa. 389 

long exposure, and at home amid the elements of 
battle ? 

Colonel Pugh's skirmishers soon became hotly en- 
gaged. He reported the fact to General Lauman, who 
ordered him to continue to advance. He pushed back 
the enemy's skirmishers, till he came within sight of his 
main works, formidable in appearance, his guns pointing 
through embrasures, and his field of fire level and unob- 
structed (even the corn-stalks being cut down), affording 
no possible cover to an advancing line. The colonel 
now reported in person his position to General Lauman; 
but the general still ordered him to advance. He re- 
turned, and swept with his eye the field. There was the 
the enemy's long line of works, showing the mouths of 
his defiant cannon, and near him the remnant of his 
gallant brigade, now only eight hundred strong, which 
he was ordered to destroy. It must have been a har- 
rowing moment to him. What was he to do ? His order 
was imperative, and he was too true a soldier to ques- 
tion, much less to disobey it. To advance partially 
and then retreat, w^ould seem to exhibit cowardice, and 
would be w^orse than to refuse to advance at all. To 
advance within musket range, and halt and engage the 
enemy, would be to court destruction without preserving 
honor, and without the possibility of injuring him. Be- 
sides, he was not instructed to halt at all. He gave the 
order to his men, and the line moved steadily forward, 
without support or diversion on the right or left, or a 
single shell having been thrown to test the enemy's 
strength, or prepare their way. From regimental com- 
manders to the rank and file — all were astonished. At 



390 Recollections with the Third Iowa. 

first they supposed it was to be a general charge of tho 
line, but their eyes soon undeceived them. A terrible 
realization of their situation came over them ; but no 
one faltered or looked back. They had won too much 
glory on former fields to sully that record now. They 
must preserve honor, though they lost all else. 

The enemy opened with fourteen pieces, and two 
brigades of infantry rose from their concealment, and 
poured a converging fire upon them. Colonel Pugh 
gave the command to charge ; the men raised the shout 
and sprang forward through that thick storm of death. 
A few moments, and all was over. The line crumbled 
into broken bands^ which arrived within pistol-shot of 
the embrasures, and halted and staggered and were 
swept away. Those who escaped had scarcely time to 
notice who had fallen. Back in the woods, where the 
advance had first commenced, they rallied — all that was 
left, but less than half the number that had advanced 
into that terrific fire. The Third Iowa had saved both 
its flag and banner ; and now, of the two hundred and 
ten that advanced in the charge, but ninety could be 
rallied around them. Nearly all who were not there 
were killed, wounded or captured. General Lauman 
wept when he gazed on this remnant of his old brigade. 
Gen. Ord immediately relieved him of his command, and 
ordered him to report to Gen. Grant, at Yicksburg.'^ 

* Headquarters, 4th Division, 16th Army Corps, "> 
In the Field, Near Jackson, Miss., July l'2th, 1803. J 
Fellow Soldiers : — Having been relieved from the command 
of the 4tli Division by Major General Ord, the command is turned 
over to Brigadier General Hovey. 

To say that I part with my old comrades with sorrow and regret, 
is simply giving expression to my heartfelt feelings. 



Recollections with the Third Iowa, 891 

Under the excitement of the moment, most voices 
Tvere loud in imputing this disaster to him. No one 
could believe that he intended that this handful of men 
should charge unsupported a portion of the enemy's 
works. But all attributed it to his misundesrstanding 
the orders of General Ord. Thus in common opinion 
the fault rested with these two generals. Either the 
one had communicated his orders unintelligibly, or the 
other had culpably misunderstood them. As generals 
are not apt to solicit the arbitrament of public opinion 
upon their conduct, and commonly keep their own 
secrets, we are only able to form conjectures in this 
matter. Calm reflection, however, can not but allow 
that it was unfair to lay the whole blame to a general, 
who, on all previous fields, had behaved with the gallantry 
and merit that had distinguished General Lauman. It is 
notable, that after there had been time for reflection, 
those of the division loudest in condemning him did not 
belong to the 1st Brigade. Nor is there a more striking 
instance of the ingratitude of common opinion, than in 
the case of those, who, in censuring him for this afi"air, 

I shall ever remember the toils and hardships we have endured 
together, and the glory which the Old Fourth has won on hard 
fought fields, and the glory which clusters around their name like 
a halo — with pride and satisfaction. 

And now, in parting with you, I ask a last request, that in con- 
sideration of your past fame, you do nothing in word or deed to 
mar it, but that you give to your present or future commander 
that prompt obedience to orders which has always characterized 
the division, and which has given to it the proud position which, 
it now enjoys. 

Officers and soldiers, I bid you now an affectionate farewell. 

J. G. Lauman, 

Brigadier General. 



89*2 Recollections ivith the Tliird Iowa. 

forgot tlie general of Belmont, Fort Donelson, Shiloli 
and the Hatcliie.'=^ 

The casualties of this affair were deplorable. Each 
regiment was literally torn in pieces. In proportion to 
their numbers the 53d Illinois suffered most, to say 
nothing of losing their gallant Colonel Earle, who was 
struck by a volley of canister while riding in advance 
of his men. Our own regiment lost one hundred and 
thirteen, sixteen being killed, fifty-seven wounded, and 
forty missing and taken prisoners. A number of the 
wounds were mortal. Among those who lost their lives 
were some of our best names. The Ruckman brothers, 
the one Captain, the other 2d Lieutenant of Company B ; 
1st Lieutenant Hall, of the same company; and 1st 
Lieutenant McMurtrie of Company D ; 1st Sergeants 
Woodruff of Company B, and McClure of Company I ; 
Sergeants Gilmore and Dent of Company E, Follett of 
Company F, and many other gallant names were among 
the sacrifices of this needless blunder. It would gratify 
me to mention the whole list of casualties in full — it 

* General Lauman entered the service as Colonel of the 7th Iowa 
Infantry. He commanded his regiment in tbe battle of Belmont, 
■where it suffered most, and distinguished itself above all others. 
Its conduct won special mention in General Grant's official report. 
In this action Colonel Lauman was severely wounded. At Fort 
Donelson he commanded the brigade of Smith's division, consist- 
ing of the 2d, 7th, 12th Iowa, and the 2oth Indiana regiments, 
which performed the most gallant and successful achievement 
of that engagement, the carrying by storm of the enemy's works 
on our left — which compelled his surrender the following morning. 
At Shiloh he commanded the od Brigade of the 4th Division. 
Since then he has been with us most of the time in this narrative. 
His personal courage was of the first order; and his humanity 
and kiuduess towards his men were conspicuous upon all occa- 
sions. Those who complain of such a general do not deserve to 
be under so good a one. 



Recollections with the Third Iowa. 893 

"would be a roll of honor indeed — but as I could not 
not obtain those of our other battles, I have refrained 
from giving this. Besides, their names deserve better 
memorial than mere mention in such a book as this. 
Among the severely wounded were Colonel Brown, 
Captain Geary, and Lieutenant Abernethy, — officers 
whose conduct here and on former fields, needs no eulogy 
from such a pen as mine. But I will not further dwell 
upon this affair — the saddest chapter of all my 
" recollections." 

After the capture of Jackson, our regiment returned 
with Sherman's army to Vicksburg, and with the divi- 
sion was soon after ordered to Natchez, where it was 
stationed till winter, when it again returned to Vicks- 
burg, and was stationed for a while in rear of that place, 
at Hebron. It has just returned to Vicksburg from 
Sherman's remarkable expedition to the Alabama line. 

Comrades of the 3d Iowa ! Thus far I have en- 
deavored to follow you in this narrative through your 
campaigns and battles, to describe, as I saw them, some 
of the scenes you saw, and, as I felt and understood 
them, some of the hardships you suffered. I am as 
sensible as you can be, of how partially I have succeeded. 
To me, who came among you curious to see some of the 
pictures of war, your sufferings have seemed unreal, 
your exploits like romance. None but those who have 
been soldiers can ever understand these things. I am 
aware that I am addressing the 3d Iowa only in name — 
that I am addressing but a remnant of the gallant band 
that assembled under our regimental flag at Keokuk, 
nearly three years ago. Of the others, many have been 



394 Recollections with the Third lotva. 

promoted, and are now serving honorably in other corps; 
one who commanded us in our most memorable battle, 
is Grovernor of our State ; many have been taken from 
the service by Avounds and disease, and many have fallen 
and perished — where ? We may ask the cemeteries of 
almost every hospital in the West ; the fields of Blue 
Mills, Shiloh, Matamora, Vicksburg and Jackson ; the 
prairies of Missouri, and the woods of Tennessee and 
Mississippi, whose hostile soil has received them to its 
bosom ; and the soil of their once happy homes to which 
the ashes of some of them have been removed. But 
they are not dead — we can not call them dead ; for they 
live, and will live in affectionate remembrance as long 
as lives a member of the 3d Iowa. And of those who 
suffer from wounds received or diseases contracted while 
serving with us, let no one say that he has found one 
who, for relief from those sufferings, would be willing to 
give up the grand memories of the past, and the consci- 
ousness of honor merited — though it be not recorded — 
by hazard, hardship and gallant service in a glorious 
cause. 

In taking leave of you, I would I could pay a suffi- 
cient tribute to those of you who have heretofore served 
and still serve in the grades of enlisted men. The peo- 
ple do not seem to understand this matter. They are 
not convinced that military rank alone is not an evi- 
dence of merit. They seem to have forgotten how many 
army officers of different grades, at the outbreak of the 
rebellion, betrayed their commands, and rushed to the 
standard of the traitors, while the private soldiers — 
whose services, considered menial, had neither been 



Recollections with the Third loiva, 895 

honored nor paid — through obloquy, persecution and 
imprisonment, remained true to their country and their 
trust. They will not believe that preferment comes less 
by actual merit than by favoritism, intrigue or accident. 
They are slow to understand, that the hardships you 
suffer the commissioned officer does not always suffer 
in common with you. But be assured they will one 
day understand these things ; and when they come to 
make a final award of honors to their gallant defenders, 
it will not be asked of any, " Was he a captain or a 
colonel ? " but rather, " Did he do his whole duty in the 
place assigned him ? " They will count your motives, 
in engaging in the war, unimpeachable. You have not 
served for money ; you have not expected your toils and 
sufferings to be thus requited. You have not served for 
spoils ; for you knew that the war would be conducted 
on civilized principles, and that there would be no spoils 
to divide. You have not served for the " bauble repu- 
tation ; " for you well know how poor a chance you have 
had of gaining that. With whatever merit you may 
have served the operations of the war, your names have 
seldom been mentioned in official reports ; officers alone, 
with few exceptions, enjoying the privilege of being able 
to have their names thus recorded among the military 
archives of the country. No : your motives have been 
higher and worthier than these. You have suffered 
most and have sought and received the fewest rewards. 
What you have not achieved in the gaining of money or 
personal reputation, you will one day receive in honor. 
History will dwell with delight upon the skill and reso- 
lution of the generals who have led you to victory ; it 



896 Recollections with the Tliird Iowa. 

ivill dwell -witli deliglit both upon them and you. But 
if it admire their conduct as splendid, it "will reverence 
yours as sublime. Nor think your services will be 
thankless. Time, which metes out justice to all, will 
see your sacrifices acknowledged and your merits recog- 
nized. The hearts of the great people that compose the 
Republic will go out in praise and gratitude to you. 
Public honors will come to reward your now humble 
services. Posterity will record you, as being among 
those who offered all they had, that the nation and 
liberty might live, an " all unclouded glory ; " and on 
your names will attend, " The tears and praises of all 
time." 

Comrades ! — Your friends are gratified to learn, that 
what remains of the 3d Iowa has re-enlisted as a veteran 
regiment. Fields of honor are yet before you, and it is 
for you to participate in the last glorious deeds of the 
war. This thought should afford you no ordinary grati- 
fication ; for to have fought both on its first and last 
fields will be counted no common honor. Your past 
record is one of glory ; there are no fears that you will 
not continue to deserve it. Committing this book to 
you, and assuring you that though absent and serving 
in another corps, I am still with you in the memories 
and feelings of the past, I bid you an affectionate 
farewell. 



